Energy bills combine consumption charges with other costs. Reading the units correctly makes comparisons more useful.
Separate use from rate
Electricity consumption is generally measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh, not kilowatts. Gas consumption is generally shown in megajoules, or MJ, not MJ per hour. Power and energy are different quantities. Check meter readings, the billing period and whether use is estimated.
Compare the complete plan
Review daily supply charges, usage tariffs, time-of-use periods, discounts and any solar export credit. Costs vary by retailer, equipment and household, so an old example is not a current quote. Compare plans using your actual consumption and ask the retailer about unexplained changes.
