The cost of the electricity itself, separate from delivery in many deregulated or retail choice markets. Learn where it appears on an electric bill, whether it is controllable, and what to check first.
Electric bill
$226
All-in rate
$0.246 per kWh
Best next check
Cooling hours
The cost of the electricity itself, separate from delivery in many deregulated or retail choice markets.
On a real bill, this may appear as Supply, Generation supply, Electric supplier charge, Energy supply. The exact label depends on the utility, supplier, regulator, and rate plan.
What to check: Check whether the supply rate changed, expired, or differs from a retail plan you selected, then compare it with delivery charges that may remain fixed.
Supply vs delivery
The supply charge is the cost of electricity generation or the retail energy plan. The delivery charge is the utility network side. A bill can rise because supply changed, delivery changed, or both moved at the same time.
Compare billsSupply charge
Usually follows kWh times the supply or generation rate.
Delivery charge
Can include kWh-based distribution plus fixed utility charges.
Retail choice
A third-party supplier may change supply while delivery remains with the utility.
Best next check
Compare both rates and the all-in dollars per kWh.
Separate delivery, fixed charges, usage, and bill-line effects.
Open pageBrowse the full glossary for common electric charges, fees, and readings.
Open pageThe usage-based part of the electric bill, usually calculated from kWh used during the billing period.
Open pageA charge for moving electricity through poles, wires, meters, transmission, and local distribution infrastructure.
Open pageA fixed account or service fee that can appear even when electricity usage is low.
Open pageA charge based on peak power demand during a period, more common on commercial or some special residential plans.
Open pageA rate plan where electricity costs more during peak hours and less during off-peak hours.
Open pageA utility rider that can reflect changes in fuel or power purchasing costs.
Open pageShort answers for search visitors and bill-checking moments.
The cost of the electricity itself, separate from delivery in many deregulated or retail choice markets.
Supply charge is partly controllable. Check whether the supply rate changed, expired, or differs from a retail plan you selected, then compare it with delivery charges that may remain fixed.
Compare kWh usage, billing days, and the all-in cost per kWh before deciding which line item caused the increase.