Check the billing math
Compare the meter dates, total kWh, supply, delivery, fixed charges, taxes, credits and previous balance. Divide the current-cycle electricity charges by the same cycle’s kWh; mixing periods creates a misleading rate.
ELECTRICITY INTELLIGENCE
Why is my electric bill so high?
Calculate what you paid per kWh, compare broad official context and identify loads worth separating before blaming one appliance.
SEPARATE PRICE FROM USAGE
One high total can have several causes.
Use bills from matching date ranges and keep broad EIA averages separate from your utility’s actual rate schedule and account charges.
Look for load changes
Separate weather, thermostat settings, occupancy, EV charging, pool equipment, electric water heating and new appliances. HVAC can be important, but one monthly bill cannot identify the responsible appliance or prove a fault.
Check rate structure
Time-of-use windows, tiers, variable supply, demand charges, budget billing and estimated meter reads can change the total. Use the serving utility’s rate schedule and your account documents before changing providers or equipment.
Comparison boundary
State and national EIA values are broad revenue-per-kWh benchmarks, not a plan offer or bill audit. CoolCompare does not know your exact rate schedule unless you enter and verify it.