How can you ensure that your utility bills are accurate?

Utility bills are a major expense for many households and businesses, but how can you be sure that you are paying the right amount? If you suspect that your bills are inaccurate, you may be losing money or wasting energy. In this article, we will show you how to audit your utility bills and find out if there are any errors or discrepancies.

1 Check your meter readings

The first step to ensure that your utility bills are accurate is to check your meter readings. Your meter shows how much electricity, gas, or water you have used in a given period. You can compare your meter readings with the ones on your bill to see if they match. If they don't, you may have been overcharged or undercharged. You can also track your meter readings regularly to monitor your energy consumption and spot any unusual changes.

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Barb Tracanna

Energy Queen - Read my about section
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If you notice an increase in your electric/gas costs, check your utility bills and compare to previous months. Look for substantial increases in usage from the previous year. Your usage history for the past year is listed on every bill.

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Leonard Teo

Technical Specialist | Driving Energy and Water Usage Reduction | Certified Energy Manager (SCEM) | Energy Transition | Decarbonisation | Water Circularity | Sustainability Strategy
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Meter readings are sometimes taken once every 2 months or even longer if there are issues with the reading takers. Hence, your usage may be estimated. This may occur even when you took action to reduce your utility usage. The solution to this is smart meters but it may not be available to all. So checking of utilities bills to meter reading is key

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2 Review your tariff and contract

The next step is to review your tariff and contract with your utility provider. Your tariff is the rate that you pay for each unit of energy or water that you use. Your contract is the agreement that you have with your provider about the terms and conditions of your service. You should check if your tariff and contract are up to date, accurate, and suitable for your needs. You should also look for any fees, charges, discounts, or penalties that may apply to your bill.

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Leonard Teo

Technical Specialist | Driving Energy and Water Usage Reduction | Certified Energy Manager (SCEM) | Energy Transition | Decarbonisation | Water Circularity | Sustainability Strategy
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Review your supply contract to find optimisation potential. For example, if there is a minimum take or pay in your contract, examine whether it is needed or can it be lowered. Know your leverage and negotiate a competitive contract the next time round.

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3 Compare with previous bills and averages

Another way to check if your utility bills are accurate is to compare them with your previous bills and averages. You can use your past bills or online tools to calculate your average usage and cost for each month or season. You can then compare your current bill with your average and see if there are any significant differences. If your bill is much higher or lower than your average, you may have a problem with your meter, your tariff, or your energy efficiency.

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4 Contact your utility provider

If you find any errors or discrepancies in your utility bills, you should contact your utility provider as soon as possible. You should explain the issue and provide any evidence that you have, such as meter readings, photos, or documents. You should also ask for a correction, a refund, or a compensation if you have been overcharged or undercharged. You should keep a record of your communication and follow up until the issue is resolved.

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5 Seek professional help

If you are not satisfied with the response or the resolution from your utility provider, you may need to seek professional help. You can contact an independent energy auditor, a consumer advocate, or a legal advisor to help you with your utility bill auditing. They can help you verify your bills, negotiate with your provider, or file a complaint or a claim. They can also help you improve your energy management and efficiency.

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Barb Tracanna

Energy Queen - Read my about section
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The best way to reduce energy costs is to work with an Energy Broker. Find an energy broker that offers a no cost, no obligation service to bring you competitive rates for local suppliers in your area.

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6 Take action to save energy

The final step to ensure that your utility bills are accurate is to take action to save energy and water. You can reduce your energy consumption and cost by making some simple changes in your habits, appliances, and systems. You can also invest in some energy-saving devices, such as smart meters, thermostats, or sensors. You can also switch to a renewable energy source, such as solar panels or wind turbines. By saving energy and water, you can not only lower your bills, but also protect the environment and your health.

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Cristina Coffey
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Gaining a precise understanding of energy usage is crucial for minimizing both consumption and costs by identifying inefficiencies. Selecting the appropriate energy management sensors and controllers infrastructure empowers informed decisions on necessary changes. Here are key attributes to contemplate when evaluating an energy monitoring system: - Accuracy - Scalability - Ruggedness - Reliability - Security - Seamless integration with existing systems.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure that your utility bills are accurate?

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1 Check your meter readings

2 Review your tariff and contract

3 Compare with previous bills and averages

4 Contact your utility provider

5 Seek professional help

6 Take action to save energy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Energy Management

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