Your bill’s usage is usually shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh), so compare the current and previous reading periods rather than only the dollar total. More heating or cooling, hot-water use, extra people at home, faulty appliances or an estimated meter reading can all affect consumption. Check your retailer’s usage graphs, compare bills for the same season and submit an actual meter reading if your retailer allows it. For practical ways to reduce usage, see guidance from Energy.gov.au, or ask your retailer to investigate unusual readings or a possible meter issue.