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Understanding Your Bill

CCF, kWh, rate codes, energy adjustment costs - with all the abbreviations, industry jargon and tiny print, it's no wonder that most utility customers only look at the amount due when their bill comes in the mail.

Utility bills can be complicated - but the more you know about your energy use, the better you'll be able to manage it.

While your statement will likely look different from the example below, knowing the basic terminology will help you understand how your bill adds up.

Bill image

 1

Account number: This series of numbers is a code that identifies your exact location. Your account number helps us reach you faster when you need help.
 2

Meter readings: These are the numbers our meter readers record each reading period. The difference between your previous and current readings is used to calculate the amount of energy you've used during a reading period.
 3

Units billed: The number of gas or electricity units you have used in one reading period.
 4

Calculations: Your bill consists of four main charges:

  • Energy use and rate cost: This includes kilowatt hours (kWh) or therms used per day, number of days of the reading period, and the rate (or price) for energy generation.
  • Energy cost (also called the energy adjustment cost): This is a ‘pass-through' cost, which can fluctuate according to changes in fuel prices. It includes the cost of fuel used for generating electricity or the cost of power purchased from other sources.
  • Basic service charge: The fixed daily amount that covers the cost of your service and meter, including the installation and maintenance of utility equipment.
  • Tax: This includes sales tax and other local taxes. Depending upon your community, you may also have local option sales tax, school tax and/or municipal tax.
 5

Subtotaled amounts: These breakdowns should help you understand how we determine the total amount you owe.
 6

Temperature and energy use chart: This compares average temperature and energy use for the current month with the previous month and the same time last year — a quick reference of your seasonal energy use.

Understanding your WPL utility bill [PDF]

Understanding your IPL utility bill [PDF]

How to read your WPL budget bill [PDF]

How to read your IPL budget bill [PDF]

Want to learn more? With Alliant Energy's Your Account, you can view a six-month history of your bills and payments, see graphs of your energy consumption for the past 18 months, and more.

If you have questions or concerns about your bill, give us a call or send us an e-mail - our consultants can explain your charges line by line, or help you determine if your business is on the most appropriate rate code.

Unbundling information for Minnesota customers: As of mid 2006, unbundled information is included on Minnesota customer bills to help all electric customers become better informed consumers. Learn more with the brochure: You may notice a change in your bill: Keys to understanding your “unbundled” energy bill [PDF].