Don't just look at the total: zoom in on the bill

When we receive our electricity bill, it's almost automatic: we look for the final amount and decide, in a matter of seconds, whether we are paying a lot or a little this month.

However, the total only tells the end of the story. To really understand what you are paying, you have to look a little further: consumption in kWh, the billing period, contracted power capacity, the price of energy, taxes, or additional services.

The good news is that you do not need to be an expert to understand a bill. You just need to know which sections to look at. And that is exactly what we are going to do, step by step.

Billing period: how many days the bill includes

Before analysing the consumption or the price of electricity, there is one detail worth checking: the billing dates.

Not all bills include the same number of days. Some correspond to 28 days, others to 30, and they can even cover 31 or 32. Although the difference may seem small, it directly influences the final amount: the more days the billing period includes, the higher the registered consumption and the fixed part of the bill will be.

For example:

In this case, the second bill will be higher simply because it includes three extra days of consumption.

Therefore, before thinking that your company has raised the price or that there is an error in the electricity bill, always check the start and end dates of the billing period.

Consumption in kWh: the first clue to knowing if you have used more

If the billing period is correct, the next step is to look at the consumption in kWh.

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) indicate the amount of electricity you have used during the billing period. The higher this value, the higher the cost of the consumption component.

But there is a little trick to interpreting this data: don't look at it in isolation. Compare it with other bills, especially with the same month of the previous year. This way you will be able to know if you have genuinely consumed more or if the difference is due to another reason.

It's also worth thinking about your habits during that period. Have you used the air conditioning more? Have you worked from home more days? Have there been more people at home? Small changes like these can explain an increase in consumption without you even being aware of it.

If you want to delve deeper into this information, from the Customer Area or the Endesa app you can view the evolution of your consumption and easily detect which days you have used the most electricity.

Contracted power: the cost you pay even if you consume very little

Has it ever happened to you that the bill has arrived higher than expected, even though you have barely used any electricity? In that case, it is likely that part of the explanation lies in the contracted power capacity.

Contracted power capacity determines the maximum amount of electricity you can use at the same time and corresponds to the standing charge on your bill. In other words, this amount is paid every month, regardless of your consumption.

Therefore, if you haven't reviewed your contract in a while or your habits have changed, it is worth checking if your contracted power capacity is still suitable.

A simple clue: if your fuses never blow, you might have a higher power capacity than you actually need. Adjusting it can help you reduce the fixed part of your bill without sacrificing comfort.

If you are unsure which is the most suitable for your home, you can consult our guide on how to calculate the electrical power capacity you need.

Price per kWh: how much the energy you consume costs

Consumption is important, but it is not the only factor that determines the amount of the bill. The price per kWh – that is, how much you pay for each unit of electricity consumed – also plays a role.

For this reason, two homes with very similar consumption can end up paying different amounts if they are on different tariffs.

When comparing two bills, do not just look at the kWh consumed. Also check the price applied to the energy. If it has changed compared to the previous month, this may be one of the reasons why your bill has gone up.

If you are thinking of changing your tariff to better suit your consumption habits, you can browse Endesa's electricity tariffs and choose the option that best fits your needs.

Taxes, the meter, and other items that also add up

In addition to consumption and contracted power capacity, the bill includes other items that also affect the final amount.

Although they usually account for a smaller portion, it is worth knowing them to understand exactly what you are paying for.

Taxes on your electricity bill

The bill displays the taxes applied to your electricity supply, which are determined by current regulations.

These amounts are calculated automatically and can vary if legislation changes, which is another reason why one bill might differ from the previous one.

Meter rental

If you do not own your electricity meter, a meter rental charge will appear on your bill.

This is a regulated amount that covers the use and maintenance of the measuring equipment. That is why it typically appears on your bill month after month.

Other items

Depending on each contract, other amounts may also appear, such as regularisations, adjustments, or associated services.

Therefore, when reviewing a bill, it is worth taking a few seconds to check that you recognise all the items included and understand what each one corresponds to.

Added services or discounts: the small print of the bill

The bill also reflects whether you have taken out any additional services or if you enjoy discounts associated with your tariff.

Therefore, before assuming the amount is correct, it is worth checking that:

• Discounts have been applied correctly.
• Promotions are still valid.
• The included services are the ones you have actually contracted.

This check only takes a few seconds and can help you better understand the final amount of your bill.

If you have taken out a maintenance service for your electrical installation or climate control equipment, it will also be reflected in this section.

Comparison with previous months: when an increase makes sense

A higher bill does not always mean you are overpaying. Before jumping to conclusions, compare it with bills from previous months.

Pay special attention to these aspects:

• The billing period. A bill covering more days is naturally going to be higher.
• Electricity consumption in kWh. Check if you have genuinely used more electricity.
• The price per kWh. If the cost of energy has changed, the final amount will also vary.
• The time of year. In summer and winter, consumption commonly increases due to the use of air conditioning or heating.

It is highly recommended to compare it with the bill for the same month of the previous year. This will allow you to assess whether the increase is due to higher consumption or simply seasonal factors.

Air conditioning, heating, and habits: the usual suspects

In many cases, the explanation for a higher bill lies in small day-to-day changes.

In summer, air conditioning is usually one of the main culprits for increased electricity consumption. Something similar happens in winter with electric heating. But other factors can also play a part, such as spending more time at home, working from home, having guests, or using appliances like the oven or tumble dryer more frequently.

If the increase coincides with a heatwave or a cold snap, the higher consumption likely has a clear explanation.

If you want to reduce costs without sacrificing comfort, on the Endesa blog you will find tips to save on air conditioning, improve heating efficiency, and reduce electricity consumption at home.

What to do if, after checking, you still think there is an error

After reviewing the billing period, your consumption, contracted power capacity, and the other items on the bill, you might spot some data that does not add up.

Before making a complaint, check that:

• The billing period is correct.
• The meter reading matches the one shown on the bill.
• The contracted power capacity is the one stated in your contract.
• Discounts or promotions have been applied correctly.
• There are no services listed that you do not recognise.

If after these checks you still believe there is an error on your electricity bill, gather all the relevant information and contact your supplier so they can look into the matter.

Final checklist: 7 things to look for in the snapshot of your bill

Before jumping to the conclusion that you are overpaying, spend a couple of minutes reviewing these seven points:

• The billing period.
• Recorded electricity consumption in kWh.
• Contracted power capacity.
• The price per kWh applied.
• Taxes and other items, such as meter rental.
• Discounts or additional services included.
• A comparison with previous bills.

Spending a couple of minutes reviewing these seven points can save you a lot of guesswork. You will have a much better understanding of what you are paying for, and it will be easier to spot whether the bill amount makes sense or if certain details warrant a closer look.

Frequently asked questions about how to check an electricity bill

What should I look at first on an electricity bill?

Start with the billing period, consumption in kWh, contracted power capacity, and the price per kWh. With those four pieces of data, you can quickly identify whether the increase in your bill has a logical explanation or warrants a more detailed review.

How do I know if I'm overpaying for electricity?

Compare it with the bill for the same month of the previous year and check if consumption, days billed, or the price of energy have changed. If everything looks similar but you spot a piece of data that does not add up, contact your supplier.

Why am I paying for electricity, even though I have barely used any?

Because not everything you pay for depends on consumption. The bill also includes fixed items, such as your contracted power capacity and, where applicable, meter rental.

What does consumption in kWh mean?

It is the amount of electricity you have used during the billing period. The higher your consumption in kWh, the higher the amount charged for the energy component.

What is meter rental?

It is the amount paid to use the electricity meter when you do not own it. This is a regulated cost that appears itemised on your bill.

What can I do to reduce my bill?

Start by reviewing your consumption habits and checking that your contracted power capacity matches your needs. It might also be a good time to assess whether your tariff is still the best fit for how you consume electricity..