You only need two numbers from your bill: the total amount and the kWh used.
What the analyzer tells you
A bill is high for one of two reasons, or both: you pay a high price per kWh, or you use a lot of kWh.
- Your real rate: bill total ÷ kWh. It includes fixed charges, taxes and fees spread over each kWh.
- Rate compared with your state: your rate against your state's average residential price (EIA, Table 5.6.B), which is also total revenue ÷ kWh sold.
- Use compared with the U.S.: your use, adjusted to a 30-day month, against the U.S. average of about 899 kWh per month per residential customer in 2022 (EIA).
If your rate is high
Check your plan: time-of-use and tiered plans charge more at some hours or above a monthly amount. A small bill with fixed monthly charges also gives a high price per kWh. Ask your utility which plans you can choose.
If your use is high
Heating, cooling and water heating usually use the most energy at home, and summer and winter bills are higher. Look for appliances that run many hours, such as space heaters, pool pumps or old refrigerators: the appliance energy cost calculator shows what each one costs.