Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Common Causes and How to Check

A high electric bill usually comes down to one of three things: you used more kWh (most often because of heating or cooling during extreme weather), you paid more per kWh (a rate, rider or supply price change), or the bill covered a longer or estimated billing period. Checking your kWh, rate and billing days against last month and the same month last year will usually tell you which one it is within a few minutes.

The average US home paid $209 for 1,152 kWh in August 2026, but bills vary widely by state, home size and heating type. Here is how to find what changed on yours.

Step 1: Figure out whether usage or price went up

Before you start unplugging things, find out which part of the bill moved. Pull your current and previous bills (or the same month last year) and fill in this quick comparison:

Check	Where to find it	What a change means
Total kWh used	Usage section or meter readings	Higher kWh points to a usage cause (weather, appliance, new device)
Number of days billed	Billing period dates	More days means more kWh even with the same habits
Cost per kWh (total ÷ kWh)	Divide total electric charges by kWh	A higher figure points to a rate, rider or supply price change
Actual vs. estimated read	Next to the meter reading	An estimated read can be corrected on a later bill

If you need help locating these items, see our guide on how to read your electric bill.

Common causes of a high bill: using more electricity

1. Hot or cold weather

Heating and cooling are the biggest drivers. EIA reports that in 2020 air conditioning accounted for 19% of residential electricity use, space heating 12% and water heating 12%, the three largest categories. EIA also notes that these shares change from year to year with the weather, and that homes in the South are more likely to have electric heating and to use more air conditioning (EIA: Electricity use in homes).

EIA's summer bill forecasts track cooling degree days, a measure of how much heat drives air conditioning use, and identify weather as the largest source of uncertainty: hotter-than-expected temperatures can push bills higher than projected (EIA Today in Energy). If your bill rose during a heat wave or cold snap, weather is the most likely reason. Our guide to the cost to run an air conditioner shows how to estimate cooling costs.

2. Thermostat settings

Small thermostat changes add up. The Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning the thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting (DOE Energy Saver: Thermostats). The reverse is also true: if someone in the household started keeping the house cooler in summer or warmer in winter, expect higher usage.

3. Electric space heaters and other high-wattage devices

Portable heaters, dehumidifiers, pool pumps, hot tubs, kilns and EV chargers can add hundreds of kWh. A new appliance or a new habit (working from home, a new household member) shows up quickly. You can estimate any device's use with the DOE formula, wattage × hours per day ÷ 1,000 = kWh per day (DOE Energy Saver), or look up typical costs on our space heater cost page.

4. Water heating

DOE says water heating accounts for about 18% of a home's energy use and is typically the second-largest energy expense in a home (DOE Energy Saver: Water Heating). If you have an electric water heater, more guests, longer showers or a failing element or thermostat can raise your bill.

5. Air leaks and poor insulation

ENERGY STAR says 9 out of 10 U.S. homes are under-insulated, and that the EPA estimates homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements (ENERGY STAR). A drafty home makes your HVAC run longer, especially in extreme weather.

6. Standby power

Devices that stay plugged in keep drawing power. DOE says standby power accounts for 5% to 10% of residential energy use and could cost the average household as much as $100 a year (DOE Energy Saver). It rarely explains a sudden jump, but it adds to every bill.

Common causes of a high bill: paying more per kWh

7. Rate increases and riders

Your base rate, fuel adjustment and other riders can change during the year. Duke Energy notes that riders recover variable costs such as fuel and are reviewed by the utilities commission on a regular schedule (Duke Energy), and North Carolina's Public Staff lists specific dates each year on which fuel, efficiency and clean energy riders change (NC Public Staff). Check your utility's notices or website for recent rate changes.

8. Seasonal prices and fuel costs

EIA explains that electricity prices are usually highest in summer, when total demand is high and more expensive generation is used. Fuel prices, especially natural gas, can rise during high demand or supply disruptions, and extreme weather affects both demand and costs (EIA).

9. An expired fixed-rate contract

If you buy electricity from a competitive supplier, check whether a fixed-price contract ended and rolled onto a variable or month-to-month rate. Massachusetts' Department of Public Utilities notes that it licenses competitive suppliers but "does not oversee or regulate how they set their supply product prices" (Mass.gov). The supply section of your bill shows the rate you were charged.

Common causes: billing issues

• Longer billing period. Bills cover roughly 30 days, but the exact number varies (NC Public Staff). A few extra days means more kWh.
• Estimated readings and catch-up bills. If earlier bills were estimated low, an actual read can produce a larger bill that corrects the difference.
• Meter reading errors. Compare the reading on the bill with the number on your meter.
• Budget billing true-ups. If you are on a levelized or budget plan, a periodic settlement can add a balance.

How to check what is using electricity in your home

1. Look at your usage data. Many utilities with smart meters, which EIA says can send usage data in real time (EIA), offer hourly or daily usage online. Spikes at specific times point to specific appliances.
2. Read your meter twice. Note the reading at bedtime and again in the morning to see your overnight baseline.
3. Measure plug-in devices. DOE notes electricity usage monitors cost around $25 to $50 and work on 120-volt devices (DOE).
4. Get a home energy assessment. DOE describes a home energy assessment (also called an energy audit) as a way to learn how much energy your home uses, where it is wasted and which fixes to prioritize (DOE Energy Saver). Ask your utility whether it offers one.

When to contact your utility or regulator

If usage and rates look normal but the bill still does not add up, call your utility and ask for a review or a meter test. If you cannot resolve the issue, utility complaints can go to your state's public utility commission. If you are struggling to pay, the federal LIHEAP program helps with home energy bills through local offices; the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at (866) 674-6327 can point you to help in your area (HHS LIHEAP FAQ).

Next steps

Compare your bill with typical bills on our average electric bill by state page, then use the electric bill calculator to test how usage or rate changes affect your total. When you know the cause, our guide on how to lower your electric bill covers what to do next.