Why Utility Bills Sometimes Increase

Seeing a sudden spike in your utility charges can be a surprise, but several factors often explain these changes.
 

1. Check for Seasonal Usage

The time of year is the most common reason for higher bills.

• Summer: Air conditioning and increased water usage often lead to higher electricity and water costs.
• Winter: Heating costs often rise during colder months, whether your home uses electric or gas heating. 

2. Look at Page Two of Your Statement

Your Conservice bill provides more than just a total amount due.

• Service Descriptions: The second page includes detailed breakdowns of each utility, along with specific messages from your property management.

• Adjustment Factors: If your unit is submetered, look for an “Adj Factor.” This multiplier is used to ensure usage is recorded, converted, and calculated accurately based on your specific meter type.
  • For example, as in the screenshot below, if your meter reads in gallons, and regulations require that your usage must be billed in cubic feet, the gallon usage is multiplied by 7.48. (7.48 gallons = 1 cubic foot.) 

3. Review Your Account History

Trends can tell a story.

• Monthly Comparisons: Log in to UtilitiesInfo.com to view charts of your monthly and daily consumption.'

  

• Historical Trends: Check your usage from the same month last year. Often, current charges align with your historical habits for that season.

  

4. Rule Out Maintenance Issues

If your usage has doubled or tripled despite no major changes in household occupancy, habits, or weather conditions, there may be a leak or another appliance or HVAC issue affecting consumption.

• The Toilet Test: Place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes without flushing, you likely have a leak that needs professional repair.

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Updated June 19, 2026 21:53