The bill is the boss. AI explains it. You check every number.
New to this? Try the practice first.
Step 1: Cover your private details
- Cover your name, address and account number.
- Never share your full account number.
- Pasting? Delete those details first. Photo? Cover them with paper.
Step 2: Ask AI to explain it
- Paste the prompt below. Add your bill after it, as text or a photo. Send.
Explain my energy bill below in plain words. Then list every amount and every date. Next to each one, quote the exact words from the bill. Say if any meter read is estimated. Say if an old balance or late fee is included. Compare my use to last year, if shown. If you are unsure of anything, write "NOT SURE." Do not give me phone numbers or links.
Step 3: Check every number on the paper
- Find each quoted line on your bill yourself.
- Check every amount and date, digit by digit.
- The due date is not the bill date. Find both.
Step 4: Look for surprises
- Is a meter read marked "estimated"? Ask your utility.
- Is an old balance or late fee in the total?
- Is your use much higher than last year? Ask why.
Step 5: Call the number on your bill
- Use the number printed on your bill, or the utility's own website.
- Never use a number from a text, email or surprise call.
- Real utilities don't demand gift cards, wire transfers or crypto.
If you can't pay
- Ask your utility about a payment plan or budget billing.
- LIHEAP helps some households with energy bills. Rules vary by state.
- Call 1-866-674-6327 or visit EnergyHelp.us. LIHEAP does not charge a fee.
- Or dial 211 to find local help.
Checked: ACF.hhs.gov (LIHEAP); EnergyHelp.us; 211.org; FTC.gov consumer advice (utility scams; paying utility bills), Oct 16, 2026.
Practice bill
PRACTICE - NOT REAL. Made up for this guide. Do not call the number.
This made-up bill has 3 things to ask about. Can you find them?
==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ==================== BRIGHTWATER PRACTICE POWER CO. - NOT A REAL COMPANY Electric Bill Customer: Pat Sample Service address: 123 Practice Lane, Sampletown, ZZ 00000 Account number: XXXX-XXXX-0000 Customer service: (555) 010-7731 Bill date: November 18, 2026 Billing period: Oct 14, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026 (31 days) Meter reading, previous: 48,120 (Actual) Meter reading, present: 49,300 (E) Estimated Electricity used: 1,180 kWh Your usage This bill Same month last year kWh used 1,180 kWh 760 kWh Average per day 38 kWh 25 kWh Account summary Previous balance $142.60 Payment received Nov 2 - thank you -$100.00 Balance forward $42.60 New charges Customer charge $12.00 Delivery charge (1,180 kWh x $0.0610) $71.98 Supply (generation) charge (1,180 kWh x $0.1120) $132.16 Late payment charge (1.5% of $42.60) $0.64 State and local taxes $10.83 Total new charges $227.61 TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $270.21 Due date: December 9, 2026 ==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ====================
To practice with AI: paste the prompt, then this bill. Send. Check its answer with Steps 3 and 4.
How did you do? A good AI answer:
- Explains each charge in plain words.
- Quotes each amount and date, like "Due date: December 9, 2026."
- Says the present meter read is estimated. So 1,180 kWh may not be exact.
- Says $42.60 is left over from the last bill, plus a $0.64 late fee.
- Notes 1,180 kWh this bill vs. 760 kWh a year ago.
- Gives no phone number or link.