The EFL summarizes how a plan charges you. Here are the key terms and how your total bill is calculated.
A snapshot of what the bill would look like at those usage levels. It is not a guaranteed rate. Your actual bill depends on your real kWh and any plan rules.
What the provider charges per kWh for the electricity itself. Can be flat, tiered, or time-based.
A fixed monthly fee from the provider. Applies even if you use very little energy.
Pass-through charges from your local utility (fixed monthly + per-kWh). These apply to all plans and vary by utility.
On 'Truly Fixed' plans, the energy charge and base charge are fixed by the provider; TDU charges can still change if the utility updates them.
A fee if your monthly usage is below a threshold (for example under 1,000 kWh).
A credit applied only when your monthly usage falls within a band (for example between 1,000 and 2,000 kWh). Outside the band, the credit may not apply.
Length of the agreement in months (for example 12, 24, 36).
A fee if you end the contract before it expires. Fixed amount or per-month remaining.
The share of electricity backed by renewable energy credits (RECs).
Rates that change by time of day or day of week (for example peak vs. off-peak).
Energy charge may be $0 during advertised windows, but other components (like TDU charges) can still apply.
A fee based on your highest short-term usage spike. Rare in residential plans but useful to know.
A common monthly bill formula looks like this:
Total Bill ≈ Base Charge
+ (Energy Charge ¢/kWh × Your kWh ÷ 100)
+ TDU Fixed
+ (TDU ¢/kWh × Your kWh ÷ 100)
− Bill Credits (if your usage qualifies)
+ Taxes & other regulated charges
This is a general outline. Always check your EFL for the exact rules.