When you sign a contract with a third-party supplier, your energy bill can come in one of three formats:

  1. Single Supplier Bill
  2. Utility Consolidated Bill
  3. Dual Bill

Let’s see what each of these billing formats looks like.

Single Supplier Bill

The name of this billing type varies by supplier, but the basic format is the same for all. Under this billing option, all your charges — supply, market, delivery (utility), and taxes — appear on one bill from your supplier.

Energy Bill Format: Single Supplier

Single Supplier Bill

To pay this bill, send your payment to the supplier. The supplier will then remit the utility portion to your local utility.

Utility Consolidated Bill

With this billing type, all charges — supply, market, delivery (utility), and taxes — are on one bill issued by your local utility.

Energy Bill Format: Utility Consolidated

Utility Consolidated Bill

Make your payment directly to the utility, and the utility will pay your supplier its share.

Dual Bill

This billing option is exactly what it sounds like. Each month, you’ll receive two invoices — one from your supplier with your supply charges, and one from your local utility with its charges. Market charges will appear on either the supplier’s bill or the utility’s bill.

 

Energy Bill Format: Dual Bill

Dual Bill – Supplier Portion

Energy Bill Format: Dual Bill

Dual Bill – Utility Portion

 

With dual billing, make sure you pay both invoices each month.

Can I choose my energy bill format?

Sometimes. Your ability to choose your billing type depends on:

  • The state you live in
  • The commodity (electric or gas)
  • The supplier

Some suppliers give you the option to choose your billing type for both commodities. Others have a set billing option that you can’t change. If you prefer one billing type over the others, make sure your chosen supplier can provide it.

Is one billing option better than the others?

The short answer is no. There are no premiums associated with any of these 3 billing types.

Some clients prefer one bill from either the supplier or their local utility that includes all charges because they only have to keep track of one invoice each month. However, we recommend choosing the billing type you’re most comfortable with.

A quick note: When switching suppliers, it’s a good idea to keep your current billing type. This helps avoid billing delays and other billing issues.

 

Follow us on LinkedIn!