Isolate an electricity usage increase

An apartment bill rises after an additional occupant moves in. The statement shows an identical unit price and service fee, so the household checks the billed quantity first.

Inputs and calculation

Usage: (240 − 180) × 0.25 = 15. Rate: 240 × (0.25 − 0.25) = 0. Actual bill difference: 70 − 55 = 15. Residual: 15 − (15 + 0) = 0. All effects are in USD.

Tool result · USD 15.00

Usage: (180 − 180) × 0.25 = 0. Rate: 180 × (0.25 − 0.25) = 0. Actual bill difference: 55 − 55 = 0. Residual: 0 − (0 + 0) = 0. All effects are in USD.

Tool result · USD 0.00

What the comparison shows

The sample bill increase is fully explained by 60 additional kWh. Comparing the two usage readings is more informative here than comparing prices.

Assumptions and limits

Bills establish meter usage for the account. They cannot assign the increase to the new occupant or a particular appliance.

Related guides and examples

• Why your utility bill changed
• Estimated meter readings and catch-up bills
• A practical investigation of an unexpectedly high water bill
• Explain a bill with higher use and a higher rate
• Compare usage and effective price across bills
• Read a three-month electricity trend