- Build a twelve-month bill baseline45 min
Pull the raw statements before touching anything else. Log into the serving electric utility's website and open its billing-history or usage-history page — nearly every US utility lets account holders view or download 12–24 months of statements. Record twelve consecutive months, one row per month: month, kWh delivered, and dollars billed. Repeat at the gas utility, noting whether its bills report therms or CCF, and write down which unit you recorded.
Delivered fuels belong in the table too. If heat comes from propane or heating oil, list delivery dates, gallons, and dollars from receipts — those winter costs arrive outside the utility portal but hit the same budget.
When all twelve rows exist, circle the costliest summer month and the costliest winter month. Those two cells become the yardstick every later result is judged against, and they let you argue mild weather away when comparing seasons.
