If you've lived in your home for a while, your energy bills may be fairly predictable from season to season. There can be times, however, when an energy bill suddenly "jumps" for no obvious reason. There is always a reason for a sudden bill increase - it's just a matter of finding it.

Our meter readers and the meters that measure your energy use are highly reliable. Still, if an error has occured, our Customer Service Representatives want to know about it - and help.

As soon as possible after you've received an unusual or high bill:

• read your meter yourself;
• write down the numbers or note where the dial indicators are; and
• with your bill handy, call (902) 629-3799 in Charlottetown area or 1-800-670-1012. Let our Customer Service Representative know that you want to confirm your meter reading and current bill amount. He or she will determine whether further investigation is required by Maritime Electric.

Be an 'Energy Detective'

If the problem is not an incorrect meter reading, you can be your own "energy detective." First, check the following on your bill:

• Is your meter reading based on actual readings, or was it estimated?
• How many days are there in the billing period?
• Does the bill show a previous balance?
• Does the bill show an adjustment for previous low estimated meter readings?
• Were there any holidays in the billing period?

Again, our Customer Service Representatives are ready to help. While some of their questions may seem obvious, it's important to start with the basics, because energy use can be easy to overlook.

Questions may include:

• Are you using more energy due to season heating or cooling?
• Have you added an electric space heater?
• Have you changed your thermostat setting?
• Have you increased the size of your living space or the number of people living in your home?
• Has there been a change in the number of people home during the day or evening, or an increase in the length of time people are home?
• Has someone in your household been ill?
• Have you had any problems with plumbing, wiring or appliances?
• Have you added any appliances?
• Have you changed the type of heating equipment or heating fuel you use?

Also check those appliances in and around your home that either heat or cool and have a thermostat, such as a furnace, water heater, refrigerator, clothes dryer, air conditioner, waterbed, dehumidifier or pool heater. Whenever any of these use more energy than normal, it's bad news for your energy bill.

For example, when a water heater's elements become corroded or burnt out, it has to work much harder to maintain its set temperature and uses more energy. Cleaning or changing these elements is an inexpensive way to bring your energy use back in line.

In some cases, you may need to call an independent contractor or other qualified professional to get to the bottom of an unexplained energy-use increase.

It's Your Decision

Keep in mind that your decisions about household energy use affect how much you pay each month. It's a good idea to regularly examine your energy bills, comparing them by month, season and year. Staying familiar with your household's energy use patterns enables you to recognize and resolve problems quickly and make wise decisions about your energy use.