Electricity Bill Calculator
Estimate a bill from your usage, including the standing charge that catches people out.
A bill has two parts: the energy you used, and a daily supply charge you pay regardless.
How the electricity bill calculator works
A bill has two parts: the energy you used, and a daily supply charge you pay regardless. The second part is why a very low-usage household still receives a bill, and why halving consumption never halves the total.
Time-of-use tariffs split the first part further. Peak rates can be double the off-peak rate, so when you use energy matters as much as how much — running a dishwasher overnight rather than at 6pm can change a bill measurably without changing consumption at all.
Enter your usage split across the rates you are on. If you are on a single flat rate, put everything in peak and leave the others at zero.
Formula: bill = Σ(kWh × rate) + days × standing charge
Worked examples
| Inputs | Estimated bill | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A quarterly bill | $343.50 | about 344 |
| With solar export | $298.50 | 45 credit |
| A very low user | $133.50 | supply charge dominates |
FAQFrequently asked questions
Why is my bill high when I barely used anything?
The daily supply charge is payable regardless of usage. Over a 90-day quarter it can exceed 100 on its own.
What is a supply or standing charge?
A fixed daily fee for being connected to the network, separate from the energy you use.
Does using power at night save money?
Only on a time-of-use tariff, where off-peak rates can be half the peak rate. On a flat tariff it makes no difference.
Why is my feed-in credit so small?
Feed-in rates are typically a fraction of the retail rate, so exporting a unit is worth far less than not importing one.
Where do I find my usage?
On the bill itself, usually split by rate, or from your retailer's portal if you have a smart meter.
Where these figures come from
- International Energy Agency — Energy Efficiency — appliance consumption and standby power context
- Australian Energy Regulator — the Australian energy market regulator
Last checked: September 2026. Appliance power figures are typical ratings; check the label on your own equipment, which is authoritative for it.