High bill checklist

Find out why your bill might be higher and how to get back in control.

If your latest bill looks a bit steeper than usual, we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on. This checklist walks you through the most common causes of higher bills and the simple steps you can take to prevent surprises in the future.

Need a hand? We’ve got you.

If things are a bit tight right now, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you stay on top of your energy without the stress. These handy options in My Account can make managing your bill easier:

  • Need a bit more time? You can apply for a payment plan
  • Hold a concession card? You may be eligible for an electricity rebate to help with costs
  • Prefer smaller, predictable payments? You can set up Direct Debit or Centrepay to break your bill into manageable chunks
  • Could you save on a different tariff? Check you’re on the right tariff in minutes in My Account.

You can also check out our practical home energy tips to help trim your usage.

High bill checklist

Step 1: Take a closer look at your bill

Longer billing period

Your bill might simply cover more days than usual - billing cycles don’t always line up perfectly. You’ll find the number of days in the bill summary on page two of your bill.

To get a true comparison, check your average daily usage and average daily cost. You’ll see this in:

Tracking these numbers is the best way to compare bills “apples for apples.”

Average daily usage and average daily cost

Keeping an eye on your average daily usage (kWh) and cost ($) helps you stay in control of your energy. It makes it easier to compare bills, even if prices or billing periods change.

Tip: Focus on your average daily usage when comparing bills.
That way, you can see if you’ve used more energy, or if the price has changed.

How to find your average daily usage (kWh)

You’ve got a few easy options:

How to find your average daily cost ($)

Want to track your spend day to day? Here’s how:

  • Check My Account for your current bill period’s average daily cost
  • Or calculate it yourself: 
    • Find New Charges – Electricity Charge on your bill
    • Divide it by the number of days in your billing period
  • Use our average daily usage and cost calculator to compare costs across bills

Your New Charges include all tariffs and service fees.

If you want a full breakdown of everything on your bill, you can visit our understanding your bill page.

Estimated bill

Sometimes your bill might be based on an estimate rather than an actual meter read. That estimate can end up a bit higher or lower than what you really used. We do this when our meter reader can’t safely access your basic meter, or if your smart meter has a connection dropout on the day.

You’ll know your bill has been estimated when you see a note in the “My meter reading and access” section on page two of your bill.

It can also help to compare your average daily usage and average daily cost across a couple of billing periods to see what’s changed.

How to check an estimated bill:

Here are some simple ways to dig a little deeper:

  • Using a basic meter? You can provide your own read and get an adjusted bill
  • Was it an access issue caused by dogs? You can update your dog details quickly in My Account so we know what to expect next time
  • Keep an eye on your next actual read. Your next bill may be higher or lower than usual because it corrects the estimate
  • Compare two billing periods. When one bill is estimated and the next is based on an actual read at both the start and end, it gives you a clearer picture of your true usage
  • Use our average daily usage and cost calculator to compare usage across bills.

If you’d like to understand your bill in more detail, you’ll find helpful explanations on our understanding your bill page.

Price change

Electricity prices shift each year on 1 July, and those prices are set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). They look at the real costs of buying and supplying electricity, and under the Electricity Act, we’re required to charge the notified prices they approve.

Because delivering electricity across regional and remote Queensland covers huge distances, the Queensland Government subsidises electricity prices to help keep costs in line with the rest of the state. You can learn more about price changes for both homes and businesses on our website.

If you spot two sets of prices on a bill that includes July, that’s totally normal. It simply means:

  • One line shows the rates before 30 June, and
  • The other shows the new prices from 1 July onwards.

You can read more about this in our FAQ – Why do I have two lines of prices on my bill?

If you’re trying to work out whether a higher bill is due to a price change or simply using more energy, try focusing on your average daily usage (kWh). Our average daily usage and cost calculator makes it easy to compare bills and pinpoint what’s really driving the difference.

Rebates

There are a range of government rebates that can help lower your electricity costs. To see if you’ve received any, check page two of your bill under ‘New credits’ - look for ‘Rebate and other credits’.

If you don’t see a rebate listed and think you might be eligible, it’s easy to check. Visit our support programs page to confirm your eligibility or update your concession details.

You can also apply for an electricity rebate directly through My Account, making it quick and simple to get things sorted.

Fees for work performed

If you’ve recently had any work done on your electricity connection - like a meter upgrade (for example, moving from single to multiple phases) or installing solar - the costs for that work will appear on your electricity bill. You’ll find the charge name and the amount listed on the back of your bill under New charges – Other charges.

If you’d like to understand every part of your bill a little better, you can explore more on our understanding your bill page.

Average daily usage & cost calculator

Step 2: Check what’s changed at home

Hot or cold weather

Air‑conditioning, heaters and appliances work a lot harder when temperatures jump. Compare your usage graph on page two of your bill with the same period last year to spot weather‑related spikes.

Our household energy use calculator can also help you see how much cooling and heating cost you.

More people at home

Visitors, school holidays or family staying over can bump up:

  • Cooking
  • Showering
  • Fridge use
  • Appliance usage.

More people = more energy.

More time spent at home

Working from home, staying in more, or cooking more often can lead to increased usage, and it adds up quickly.

Changes in appliances

New appliances

When replacing an appliance, it’s important to understand the ongoing costs. For example, a new big screen TV may cost more to run than your old one. Check out our appliance running cost calculator and appliance energy tips for more information.

Faulty appliances

When appliances are on their last legs they cost more to run. For example, a fridge that has cracked or broken seals has to work harder to keep your food cold. Keeping your appliances in good working order can save you a lot on your bills.

Step 3: Set up budget alerts and track your usage

Keep tabs on your usage & unlock savings with a smart meter!

By having a smart meter you can access powerful features in My Account. Putting more choice and control in your hands. With My Account and a smart meter you can:

  • Check you're on the best tariff rate
  • Set up budget alerts
  • Discover insights and saving opportunities
  • Track exports if you have rooftop solar
  • View your usage over different periods

Already have a smart meter?

You can access these benefits now – simply login or register for My Account.

Ready to get a smart meter?

Request a smart meter using our quick and easy online form.