How to Calculate Energy Bills
- 1). Determine when the power company reads your meter. A power bill from a past month will show the date that the meter was read. The power company normally reads the meter at about the same time each month.
- 2). Read the meter yourself on the day when the power company is most likely to read the meter. If you spend a lot of time at home, you might be able to watch for the meter reader and plan your own reading for moments later.
- 3). Write down the figure on the meter. This establishes a starting point.
- 4). Read the meter again on the same date during the next month or on the same date that the meter reader checks your meter. Write down the new reading.
- 5). Figure the difference in the meter reading. This number represents your kilowatt hours (usually written as kWh on your bill).
- 6). Determine your power company's energy rate. This is normally a flat rate. It should be shown on all of your power bills.
- 7). Multiply your kWh (the figure from Step 6) by the energy rate and write down this figure.
- 8). Determine other recurring charges. These often include a flat-rate monthly customer charge. A small tax also might be included. Add these charges together and write down the figure.
- 9). Add the figure from Step 8 to the figure from Step 9. This is approximately what you can expect to be charged on your next bill.
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