POWER BILL LOOKING HIGH?

HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

There are often a few key reasons why your power bill might be higher than expected. You might be spending more time at home, have bought new appliances, or your heat pump might be working overtime.

If you're wondering why your power bill is high, we've pulled together a few ideas below. Plus, we've included some tips to help you try and avoid billing surprises in the future.

What causes a high power bill?

1. Your billing period
The typical number of days billed each month for Mercury customers is 30. However, this may vary due to a couple of factors. Public holidays affect when your bill is issued, so a few days more or less could make your bill total higher or lower than previously. For example, the billing period from December through to January is about 5-8 days longer due to the public holidays.

2. Something has changed at home
A change at home can sometimes impact the amount due on your bill. You might have a new baby, more people living in your home, or new appliances like a second fridge. You might also be using extra living spaces if someone is now working from home. These changes can increase hot water use, laundry, heating, and cooling costs.

3. Price changes
Changes or increases in energy rates can affect the total amount due. This can happen when prices change across the electricity supply chain, which all companies review each year. Learn more about what goes into your electricity bill and the Electricity Authority price breakdown.

4. A change in season and/or usage
When a good old Kiwi summer rolls around, hot and humid days can mean you run the air conditioner more often. On the flip side, cooler temperatures mean your heating appliances may work harder in winter. Air conditioning, dehumidifiers, swimming pool pumps, and spa pools can all increase energy use.

5. Actual or estimated meter readings
When we estimate meter readings, we try to be as accurate as possible. But a few things can lead to under- or over-estimates. These could include a change in lifestyle at home, a change in season, or a property that’s new to you. It can also happen if we don’t have data on your usage yet, or we can’t access your meter. Learn more about an estimated meter reading.

So, what can you do to avoid a high bill?

1. Track your usage using My Account
Its easy to track your usage in My Account. Smart meter customers can see their monthly, daily, or hourly usage. Check your usage graphs in My Account, or open our app and choose ‘Usage’ from the heading options. Log in via the Mercury App or our website.

2. Be energy efficient
Once you have a clearer idea of your electricity habits, you’ll be better placed to spot any inefficiencies at home. Start by making your home ‘energy-fit’, or by learning which appliances might be quietly draining your power. Check out our energy saving tips.

3. Avoid estimated readings
If you have an older meter that needs to be read manually, make sure you’re getting an actual reading regularly. This often means a meter reader visiting your property, or you can send us a meter reading. Head to My Account, or in our app head to ‘Bills’ and tap ‘Meter Reading’.


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The information provided in this article is of a general nature and not intended to be a substitute for personalised, professional advice. Mercury recommends that you always seek appropriate advice from a qualified professional to suit your individual circumstances. Links to external, non-Mercury websites are provided as a reference only, and do not imply a partnership or endorsement of their content.