Utility bills: Why you’re feeling the pinch

Hotter weather, higher tariffs among the reasons
Today Online 11 Jul 08;
Letter from Koh Puay Ling (Ms)
Manager (Customer Services)
SP Services Ltd

I REFER to the feedback from your readers, Yan Dawei and Claire Elaine Jerusha Devan on their utility bills in the letters, “Why the sudden surge?” and “No lifestyle change, but bill soaring” (July 4).

We would appreciate it if they could contact us on 6823 8202 to provide us with their account numbers so that we can look into their specific bills.

There are various factors that may have an impact on utility bills. They include:

Changes in electricity tariffs

The electricity tariffs for households have increased for four consecutive quarters from 18.88 cents/kWh in April-June 2007 quarter to 23.88 cents/kWh in April-June this year and most recently to 25.07 cents/kWh for the July-September quarter due to rising oil prices. Some customers may begin to feel the cumulative impact of the increases only now.

Previous estimated bill

Bills are estimated in alternate months based on previous actual meter readings. Some customers’ meter readings in April this year may be under-estimated and when the actual readings were taken in May, the bill amount would be higher due to the adjustments for the under-billing in April.

Higher consumption

Consumption tends to be higher for the second and third quarters of the year compared to the first and last quarters due to the hotter weather. When the weather is hot, consumers tend to use more water and air-conditioning which can lead to higher energy use. Moreover, during the hotter months, air-conditioning consumes more power to maintain the same temperature compared to the cooler months.

Billing period

A typical billing cycle may vary from month to month, between 28 days and 32 days. The billing period may include five weekends, which could result in a perceived increase in the bill.

School holidays

Electricity usage can increase when there are more people and activities in the home during holidays and school vacations (for example, in May and June).

Customers can check if their consumption has increased by looking at the six-month consumption graph at the end of their bill. They can take the average of the two months April/May this year and compare it with February/March to see the change in consumption for the two periods. They can contact us at our customer service hotline 1800 222 2333 if they need any clarification regarding their utility bills.

Customers may also visit our website at www.services.spservices.sg and the National Environment Agency’s website at www.nccc.gov.sg for tips on saving electricity.