Why Is My Electricity Bill So High?

Start with the Obvious: What Changed?

Before assuming something is broken, ask yourself what changed since your last bill. Nine times out of ten, a high bill has a straightforward explanation.

Did the weather change? This is the number one cause of bill spikes in Texas. A heat wave that pushes temperatures from 95 to 105 degrees can increase your AC runtime by 50% or more. Your AC might run 12-16 hours per day instead of 8-10. That difference alone can add $50-$100 to a single bill.

Did you have guests or extra people at home? More people means more showers, more cooking, more lights, more TV, and more opening and closing doors. A family of four hosting two guests for a week can easily see a 10-15% bump.

Did you get a new appliance or change a habit? A new space heater, a second refrigerator in the garage, or a teenager home from college gaming all day can all add meaningful kWh to your monthly total.

Check Your Rate

Pull out your Electricity Facts Label and compare it to the rate on your bill. If your contract expired and you were moved to a variable rate, your per-kWh cost may have doubled without you realizing it.

This is one of the most common causes of bill shock. Fixed-rate contracts that expire silently roll into variable pricing. If your rate jumped from 11 cents to 18 cents per kWh, that alone explains a 60% increase in your bill, even if your consumption stayed the same.

Log into your account or call your provider to confirm what plan you are on and what rate you are being charged. If you have been rolled to a variable plan, shop for a new fixed rate immediately.

Check Your Consumption

Log into Smart Meter Texas and look at your daily electricity data. This is the most powerful diagnostic tool available to you, and it is free.

Look for patterns. Is your consumption steady day to day, or did it spike on certain days? A sudden spike might indicate an equipment malfunction, like an AC compressor running continuously. A gradual increase over weeks suggests a seasonal shift or a change in habits.

Compare your current month to the same month last year. If you went through 1,800 kWh this July and 1,200 kWh last July, something is different, either the weather was hotter, your home changed, or you have an issue to investigate.

Common Hidden Causes

A failing AC system. When AC systems lose refrigerant, the compressor runs longer to maintain the same temperature. You do not notice the house getting warmer because the system compensates by running constantly. But your bill jumps. If your AC seems to run nonstop, even at night, have a technician check it.

A water heater issue. Electric water heaters that develop sediment buildup or a failing heating element draw more electricity. If your hot water is not as hot as it used to be and your bill is higher, the water heater might be the culprit.

Phantom loads. Devices plugged in but not in use still draw power. A gaming console in standby, a cable box, old phone chargers, and similar devices can collectively add 5-10% to your bill. It is not the main cause of a high bill, but it contributes.

Ductwork leaks. If your air ducts have gaps or disconnected sections, your AC is cooling your attic or walls instead of your rooms. Duct leaks can waste 20-30% of your cooling energy. If some rooms are noticeably warmer than others, duct issues are a likely culprit.

When to Call Your Provider

Call your provider if your bill is significantly higher than expected and you cannot identify the cause. Ask them to review your account for billing errors, confirm your rate, and verify that the meter reading matches what Smart Meter Texas shows.

If the provider cannot resolve it, ask for a meter test. Your TDU will test the meter at no charge. If the meter is found to be inaccurate, your provider is required to adjust your bill for the affected period.

When to File a Complaint

If you believe your bill is wrong and your provider will not fix it, file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) at puc.texas.gov. The PUCT investigates billing disputes and can order corrections. Having your EFL, bills, and Smart Meter Texas data ready strengthens your case.