Even though your power bill includes a ton of information, understanding it can be a whole other matter! Not only does your bill include how much power you have used, but it also includes how much you need to pay and more importantly, explains where that fee goes. Understanding your bill will give you a better idea of what your hard-earned money is going towards each time you apply a payment!
Fixed Versus Variable Charges
Most power bills will include two different costs: fixed and variable. A fixed rate is charged on each bill and does not depend on how much power is used. On the other hand, variable charges encompass the amount of power you do use. This charge is based on the kilowatt hours consumed and is charged at the rate you've set up with your retailer.
Electricity Authority Levy...Explained!
Also included on your bill is an "Electrical Authority Levy" charge, which is normally based on the amount of power utilized. This charge covers the cost of the Electric Authority, which regulates the power industry.
Breaking Down Each Dollar on Your Bill
You work hard for your money, so you deserve to know exactly what your money goes toward each time you pay your power bill. Every dollar on your bill is used wisely; see below to learn more about where each dollar of your bill goes:
- Power generation, or making electricity, accounts for over 30%
- Almost 10% goes towards covering the cost of building and maintaining the national grid
- Building and maintaining the power lines that transport electricity from the national grid to your house accounts for just over 26%
- The retailers’ operating costs (whom you purchased electricity from) account for approximately 16%
- 13% covers the goods and services tax
- Slightly over 3% covers the cost of reading and maintaining electricity meters
- Just under 1% covers market governance and market services. The market governance fee provides energy efficient programs, as well as cost coverage for running organisations that regulate the electricity industry. Market services money goes towards covering the operating costs of the organisations that manage the day-to-day management of the power market.
Try Switchme's Free Comparison Calculator!
Now that you understand more about your power bill, are you wondering how you can save money on each bill? If so, Switchme can help!
We at Switchme work hard to let you know if there is a more economical solution available for providing your power! Contact us today to learn more details and to utilize our free comparison calculator to compare power companies.