September 5, 2026
This bill asks for $86.40 by June 21, worked out from a meter reading taken on May 31.
This is a monthly electricity bill covering May 1 to May 31. It charges for the electricity used, adds a fixed daily charge that is owed even in a month when no electricity is used, and adds government charges the supplier collects. The bill also says the unit rate rose on May 1.
Example Energy: May electricity bill
A monthly electricity bill. · From: Example Energy Co
- Amount due
- $86.40
- Due by
- June 21
- Period covered
- May 1 to May 31
- Reference to quote
- Account 88421-3, bill number 2026-05-88421
The bill asks for $86.40 for May. The meter was read on May 31. The bill calls that an actual reading, which means the usage was measured at the meter rather than worked out from earlier months.
- Electricity used (312 kWh)$68.10
- The electricity actually used, charged by the unit. A kWh, or kilowatt-hour, is one unit: roughly what a fan heater uses in an hour.
- Standing charge (31 days)$12.40
- A fixed amount charged for every day of the month, owed whether or not any electricity is used. Here it covers all 31 days.
- Taxes and levies$5.90
- Charges set by government that the supplier collects on the bill and passes on. A levy is a charge added to fund a specific scheme.
What changed
If it is not paid
How to respond
What's in the fine print
- The unit rate belongs to this tariff and can change on 30 days' notice. The bill does not fix it for any period.
- Paper billing costs $1.50 a bill, listed under other charges. It is charged again for every paper bill sent.
Deep-dive questions for your provider
The unit rate rose on May 1. What is the new rate per kWh, and what was the old one?
What this is asking: The exact rate charged from May 1.
A clear answer covers: A rate per kWh, and the date it started.
Why it matters: The rate drives the usage line, which is the largest amount on this bill.
The standing charge is $12.40 for 31 days. Did the new tariff change that daily rate as well as the unit rate?
What this is asking: Whether the May 1 change touched the fixed part of the bill too.
A clear answer covers: The daily standing charge before and after May 1.
Why it matters: The bill names the tariff change against the unit rate and says nothing about the standing charge.
A late fee applies after June 21. What is the amount, and when is it added?
What this is asking: What paying late would cost.
A clear answer covers: A figure, and the date it is applied.
Why it matters: The bill states the fee without printing the amount.
The bill says the supply can be moved to a prepayment plan after 60 days unpaid. What comes before that, and what reverses it?
What this is asking: How a missed bill turns into a prepayment meter, and whether that is undone.
A clear answer covers: The steps and notices before a move, and what the supplier requires to move back.
Why it matters: The bill names the outcome without saying what leads to it or how it ends.
What Jargone did not do
- We did not tell you what to do: no recommendation, and no view on the merits of any charge.
- We did not compare this bill to any other bill, supplier, or typical charge.
- We did not check whether the meter reading or the arithmetic is right.
Disclaimer
Jargone translates documents. It does not give advice. This translation was written by an AI model, not reviewed by a human professional. It explains what your bill or tariff says, not whether it is right for you or what to do about it. Figures come from your document. Check everything against the original before you act.