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How to read your energy bill

How to read your energy bill

Confused by the terminology or overwhelmed by all the information on your energy bill? We’re here to break it down for you.
A woman reading a piece of paper and speaking on her phone
29 August, 2025
Written by  
Alexandra Voyage

Receiving your energy bill can often feel overwhelming. There is so much information packed into a few pages that many of us don’t even know how to interpret. On top of that, the amount payable is always changing and this can be daunting.

With the cost-of-living crisis in Australia, we’re all feeling the pinch, and understanding your energy bill - and where you could be saving money – is crucial. Especially when it comes to costly necessities.

Standard information on an energy bill

Across all gas and electricity companies, your bill will include standard information about yourself, your plan, and the company. This can include:

  • Your name, address, account number and plan details
  • Your providers ABN, website, and how to get in touch

Your details

Of course, you’ll also see a breakout box showing exactly how much your bill camp to this quarter and when the payment is due by.

Amount due

Could you be saving more on your energy?

Since 2023, all energy retailers are required to tell their customers whether they could be on a better offer (within the same company). The Better Bills Guideline requires that this can be done at a quick glance so take note of a breakout box that tells you if you could be saving more on a different plan, or if you are on the best plan already.

To switch, a simple call to the company will usually be enough to make the change. Remember they have all the info already on their end, so you won’t be on the phone for long.

Comparing plans

Meter read type

Though many homes now run off a smart meter, if yours is still the analogue type, it will need to be read by a company representative. If the representative cannot access the meter to read it, the company may provide you with an estimate. An estimate is usually based on the median spend in your neighbourhood and does not take into account your individual living situation. This can sometimes result in much higher charges (that will get refunded eventually, but can cause a lot of stress).

Your bill should say whether this is an estimated cost or and actual meter read.

Understanding the charges

Every bill will be different depending on your plan. Breakdowns between gas and electricity, peak and off-peak times, and supply charges or discounts should all be broken down on another page of your bill.

Tip: download your providers app

For further breakdowns and personalised information, many providers now have an app (or online portal) that that will update you in real time how you are using energy in your household.

Many break down your costs per day, how they compare to the same day in weeks prior, and even show which appliances you have used the most.

These personalised reports allow you to adjust your energy usage in real time to fit in with your budget and are a great way to combat the cost-of-living-crisis.

Personalisation

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