During the winter months, many of our customers may notice their bills go up. We are here to help walk you through some of the reasons your bill may be higher.
The Basics:
We will work with you to help you get the answers you need about your bill. Below you will find some answers to questions we get often from our customers. If you have specific questions about your bill, please contact us, we are here to help.
The most likely reason your bill is higher is because your heating system used more electricity to keep the set temperature in your home during colder weather.
Things to consider:
The number of days you were billed for is also a factor – check your bill for the number of billing days. You could have more billing days this month than last month or the same time last year.
As well, customer electricity rates increased by an average of 7% effective July 1, 2025. This means an additional $21 on a $300 bill, as an example.
Cold temperatures and high winds cause your electric heating system to work harder to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set. This means you will be using more electricity even if your thermostat setting hasn’t changed. Even a 1°C drop in temperatures can raise heating costs by 5%. If electricity is your main heating source, heating makes up over half of your electricity bill.
Check out our Heat Loss Estimator tool to explore how the conditions outdoors can affect the energy use of an electrically heated home.
Cold temperatures and high winds cause your electric heating system to work harder to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set. Even though you haven’t turned up your thermostat, your electric heating system increases its energy usage during colder weather to keep the temperature at that level.
Check out our Heat Loss Estimator tool to explore how the conditions outdoors can affect the energy use of an electrically heated home.
Yes. Rates increased by 7% on July 1, 2025. This means an additional $21 on a $300 bill, as an example.
We appreciate the efforts you make to pay your bill on time. The best thing to do if you are not able to make a payment is to contact us. We can work with you to discuss your options for making payments more manageable. Call us at 1-800-663-2802, reach out via chat on newfoundlandpower.com or email customerrelations@newfoundlandpower.com.
For the longer term, we recommend using our Equal Payment Plan, which spreads out payments evenly over 12 months, helping to smooth out seasonal ups and downs in bill amounts. You’ll pay the same amount each month all year long.
Our homes use different amounts of energy during different times of year. That often means lower bills in the summer and higher bills in the winter. The Equal Payment Plan keeps your power bills consistent every month to make budgeting easier and avoid any surprises.
Your EPP amount is based on your own home’s real energy use, calculated as an average across all 12 months of the year. Each of your bills will be the same amount, so months with less use help cover the months with more use. And what you pay for power stays the same year-round.
View your EPP amount and sign up today!
We use digital meters with technology that allows us to read your meter from a distance, without anyone having to visit your property. In most cases, we just need to be in your area to pick up your reading, you may not even see us on your street. Because of this technology, we rarely have the need to estimate your bill. Actual meter readings tell us how much electricity you used for the billing period. Our meters are continually tested to ensure they are working properly and meet the standards set by Measurement Canada.
Estimates are rarely needed but there are times when we may have to estimate your usage – when connectivity is an issue or during extreme weather events, for example. If your bill is estimated, it will be clearly marked. Estimated bills are normally adjusted the following month when the actual meter reading is taken.
Our meters are continually tested to ensure they are working properly and meet the standards set by Measurement Canada. While an issue with your meter is unlikely, we are here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us if you have a concern about your meter.
Here are a few simple things that you can do to help low your electricity bill:
Income qualified customers can receive a free Energy Savers Kit containing energy efficiency products to help reduce electricity costs. For more tips and resources, visit takechargenl.ca.
In winter, cold weather is the biggest reason for higher bills. Shorter winter days lead to less natural heat and light. Energy Tip: Remember to open your curtains to let the sunshine in during the day and keep them closed at night.
Also, if you don’t have enough insulation in your home, you will notice it more during colder months. On windy days even more heat can get out through drafts in your home, and cold air can get in. Other reasons could include new appliances and/or recent guests in the home, which can mean more use of appliances, electronics, hot water and heat.
When no one is home, houses still use electricity, mainly for heating. Even if you lower your thermostat while away, in colder weather your electricity system will work harder to keep your home at the temperature you’ve set. Also remember, when no one is home you are not using ovens, fireplaces or even lighting – which all give off heat during normal use. Your heating system works harder to make up for that heat loss. If you are going away for a while, here are some vacant home tips to consider before you leave.
We are here to help with all your high bill questions. You can choose the way you would like to contact us:
Our Customer Service Representatives are available 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Learn how to save money and energy with takeCHARGE rebates and programs.
Saving Energy Starts Here