A couple in winter

WINTER HUB.

As we spend more time indoors, and use more energy to heat our homes and keep ourselves entertained, our electricity usage changes. Improve your home’s energy efficiency with our winter energy-saving tips and guides to help you understand your energy costs.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BILL CHARGES

Most of us will see higher electricity bills in winter because we use more energy. On your bill, you can see how your charges are calculated. These are based on prices, usage, and the number of days in the billing period. Follow the number key to learn more. 

 

Electricity bill sample showing the billing period and different charge types.

 

Your electricity section
1. Billing Period

Have you checked the number of days in your billing period? This may vary due to factors like public holidays that affect when bills are issued. A few days more or less could make the total amount due higher or lower than previous months. You can find the number of days in your billing period next to your Daily Fixed Charge.

2. Variable Charge The actual electricity you’ve used. This is calculated by multiplying each unit you’ve used (kWh) by your variable price. Variable charges depend on the type of meter tariff/s you have at your property e.g. Anytime or Controlled. Find out more about the types of electricity meter tariffs.
3. Daily Fixed Charge A fixed amount each day, no matter how much electricity you use. This is calculated by multiplying your daily price (cents) by the number of days in your billing period.
4. Actual or Estimated Meter Reading If you don’t have a smart meter, your meter will need to be read manually by a meter reader. Your latest bill could be higher than expected if it is an actual reading and you previously received an under-estimated bill. If a meter reading isn’t taken, you can provide us with a reading.

Your electric bills might be higher for other reasons
Lifestyle Change A new baby, additional people in your home, new appliances (such as a plasma TV or additional heater), or someone working from home are all potential reasons your bill may be higher than usual. You can find out how your winter energy consumption compares by checking your electricity usage at this time last year.
Price Change If you’ve recently had a price change, you may see two lines for the same Charge Type. This is because your price change was effective within this billing period. You’ll see a charge at your old price, and one at your new price. You’ll have received an email or letter notifying you of the date.

TOP WINTER TIPS
Check out our top tips for the chilly season. View more energy-saving tips.

USE WATER MORE EFFICIENTLY

Hot water can account for over 20% of your bill. 

  • Be mindful of your shower time and temperature
  • Reduce your tap pressure if it’s high
  • Wash your clothes on a cold cycle
STAY WARM FOR LESS

Stay warm while keeping electricity usage down.

  • Clean your heat pump filter regularly
  • Close internal doors to rooms you’re not using
  • Draw curtains or blinds before sunset to keep daytime heat in
MAKE ENERGY-EFFICIENT CHOICES

Changing just a few things can make a difference.

  • Consider switching to LED bulbs
  • Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before switching them on
  • Cook up a hearty meal with a slowcooker
COST TO RUN APPLIANCES GUIDE
Learn what it costs to run your household appliances with our helpful guide.
VIEW GUIDE
UNLOCK A FREE POWER DAY
Winter is the perfect time to redeem a Free Power Day or unlock a credit on your bill with rewards! Snuggle up with your heater, binge on movies, or tackle those chores.
LEARN MORE
be prepared for an outage
Storms and weather warnings can happen any time of the year. If the power was to go out, make sure you have a plan.
FIND OUT MORE
Image showing the Mercury App dashboard and electricity usage tracking experience in the Mercury App

MERCURY APP

Managing your account and services is easy with the Mercury App. Track your energy usage in detail, set up an automatic payment, and unlock rewards like Free Power Days.
LEARN MORE

STay across YOUR ENERGY USAGE

Track your energy usage in detail using the Mercury App or My Account. View hourly, daily, or monthly graphs, and your projected bill. Check out our short video to learn more.
Play Video
Video Length: 2m 28s

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We have a range of payment options to suit your needs. For more information, check out our FAQs and guides, or chat with us online in the bottom right corner of your screen.
LEARN MORE