Your business energy bill includes more than just how much energy your business used. This page helps business customers understand what each line item represents, how charges are calculated and how to use bill details to better manage costs and prepare for future decisions.
What your business energy bill shows:
- Energy Usage
- Supply Charges
- Delivery & Utility Charges
- Taxes & Regulatory Fees
This shows how much electricity or natural gas your business used during the billing period.
- Electricity is measured in kilowatt‑hours (kWh)
- Natural gas is measured in therms
Usage can vary based on operating hours, equipment, weather, or seasonal demand.
Supply charges reflect the cost of the electricity or natural gas you purchase under your contract with your energy supplier.
- This is the portion of your bill you can shop for in competitive markets
- Your rate per kWh or therm is defined by your plan and term
Your rate × your usage = your supply cost
Delivery charges are set by your local utility and cover the cost of:
- Maintaining power lines or gas pipelines
- Meter reading and system operations
- Delivering energy safely and reliably to your location
These charges apply regardless of which supplier you choose and are regulated by the state or utility.
These include state and local taxes and required regulatory assessments. These charges vary by location and are not controlled by suppliers.
Key Charges Explained in Plain Language
Each of these plays a role in your total monthly bill.
What Are the Charges and Fees on My Electricity Bill?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Energy/Supply Charges | This is the amount of electricity your business used for the month, listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). |
| Capacity Cost | This fee ensures that the electric utility has enough capacity available to cover total demand. |
| Delivery Charges | These charges cover line maintenance and upkeep to ensure consistent power delivery. |
| Usage Charge/Credit | A credit applied if usage is less than or equal to the specified amount per billing period. |
| Sales Tax and Assessments | Taxes levied by your state or locality, along with any regulated assessment fees. |
What Are the Charges and Fees on My Natural Gas Bill?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gas Supply Charges | This is the cost of the natural gas you used the previous month. |
| Capacity Fees | These cover the cost of maintaining the ability to deliver natural gas via interstate pipelines on the days of highest demand. |
| Delivery Charges | This is your share of the cost of getting the gas from the supplier to your business. |
| Customer Service Charges | These fees cover set costs like meter reading and administrative billing expenses. |
| Taxes | Fees assessed by the state and/or local government. |