If your bill seems higher than expected, you’re not alone. Changes in weather, energy use in your home, and fluctuations in the cost of power can all affect what you see on your monthly bill.

Before assuming something is wrong, there are several common factors worth reviewing.
 

Things That Can Affect Your Bill

Billing Period Length

Each bill covers a specific number of days. If a billing cycle is longer than usual, it can naturally result in higher total usage and a higher bill.

You can always review your billing dates and usage history in your account.

Learn more: Understanding Your Electric Bill
 

Weather Impacts Energy Use and Purchase Cost

Weather plays a major role in energy consumption.

When outdoor temperatures drop in the winter or rise in the summer, heating and cooling systems must work harder to maintain your thermostat setting. The greater the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy is required.

Even a few degrees over an extended period can noticeably increase usage. Extreme weather events in other regions can affect us locally.
 

Changes in Home Energy Use

Sometimes higher bills are the result of changes in how electricity is being used in the home.

  • Space heaters
  • Electric fireplaces
  • Baseboard heat
  • Garage or shop heaters
  • Older or extra appliances such as an old refrigerator in the garage
  • Hot tubs
  • Tank heaters
  • Additional people in the home
  • Holiday lighting or seasonal equipment
  • Changes in thermostat settings

Even smaller devices can add up when they run frequently or for long periods of time.
 

Review Your Usage History

Looking at your usage over time can help identify patterns and better explain changes in your bill.

Tools like SmartHub and Usage Explorer allow members to review daily or hourly energy use and see how different appliances or activities affect consumption.

Learn more: Track Your Usage in SmartHub
 

What Is the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA)?

You may notice a line on your bill called the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA).

The PCA shows changes in the actual cost of electricity JCE Co-op buys for our members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we purchase wholesale power from our generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative(s) and deliver it to the homes, farms, and businesses we serve at a set rate. During extreme weather or other high-demand times, market prices can jump fast, and our G&Ts may need to buy extra power from the open market to keep everyone supplied. JCE works closely with our power suppliers to limit the impact as much as possible. This is one reason we ask members to reduce electric use when they can during peak events. Our power suppliers also work to manage risk by lining up power ahead of time, owning their own electric generating facilities, and buying power in advance. Most of the year, these steps help keep costs steadier and bills more predictable. But when market conditions are severe, some higher costs still have to be passed through.

The cost of generating electricity can change due to factors such as:

  • Weather and demand for electricity
  • Fuel prices used to generate electricity
  • Regional energy market conditions
  • Grid reliability requirements

To make the impact easier on members, those extra costs are being spread over several months instead of appearing all at once on a single bill. That’s what the PCA is doing.
 

Why the PCA Changes

The PCA can move up or down depending on the cost of power during a certain billing period.

  • When wholesale power costs increase, the PCA may increase.
  • When wholesale power costs decrease, the PCA may decrease.

This approach helps keep base rates more stable while reflecting the actual cost of power.
 

Important to Know

  • JCE does not profit from the PCA.
  • The PCA reflects changes in the cost of power supply.
  • The PCA helps ensure members pay the actual cost of electricity purchased on their behalf.


Need Help Understanding Your Bill?

If you have questions about your bill, we’re happy to help.

Our Billing Specialists and Energy Auditor can review your usage history and help identify possible causes for changes in your bill. They can also discuss options that may help manage future bills.

We can assist with:

  • Reviewing your usage history
  • Budget Billing options
  • Payment arrangements
  • Energy efficiency suggestions
  • Assistance programs (if eligible)

Our team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Call us at 800-858-5522 or 815-858-2207.
 

Helpful Resources

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