Read your bill
Charges and reads on your bill
What the lines mean, and what to do when one looks wrong.
- GuideDelivery vs supplyThe two halves of most bills, and which one you can change.Open
- GuideFuel adjustment chargeWhy a line on your bill can move every month or year.Open
- GuideDemand chargesBilling by peak kW, who pays it and how to lower it.Open
- GuideEstimated vs actual readsHow to tell an estimate from a real read, and what to do.Open
- GuideWhat is a CCFThe 100 cubic feet unit on gas and water bills, and how to convert it.Open
- GuideElectric bill doubledA step by step check when a bill jumps, and who to call.Open
Understand your usage
Find out how much a home uses and where it goes.
Spend less
Practical ways to cut the total.
Switching suppliers
For the states where you can pick who sells you power.
- GuideRetail electric providerThe company that sells you power, and what it does not control.Open
- GuideDeregulated statesWhich states allow supplier choice, and what it changes.Open
- GuideFixed vs variable ratesLocked prices versus moving prices, and who each one suits.Open
- GuideHow to switch providerThe steps to switch, and the contract terms to read first.Open
- GuideWhat is a TDU or TDSPThe Texas company that owns the lines, and what it handles.Open
- GuideElectric depositsWhen a deposit is asked for, how big it can be and refunds.Open
Why prices move
Rates, regulators and the forces behind higher bills.
Plans and programs
Frequently asked questions
Who writes these guides?
Kilowatt Atlas publishes them. Each guide names its sources and the date it was last reviewed, and our editorial policy explains how we research and check them.
Are the numbers in the guides current?
Averages come from the newest final federal data, and each guide says which year it uses. Worked examples that use made-up numbers are labeled as examples.
Can I get a guide on a topic that is missing?
Yes. Send us the question through the contact page. New guides are added when readers keep asking the same thing.