You've just received your electricity or gas bill and while you usually pay it between coffees and Netflix, this month's bill has raised your eyebrows - and crushed your bank account.

That's why you're now pondering all those fine print usage and supply charges you usually ignore.

But what do these charges actually mean in reality for both your household and your bank account?

Read on to find out more.

What are usage charges?

You're already probably wishing you'd tuned into Netflix instead but trust us - we're the kings of gas and electricity comparisons and that includes a real love for sorting out your charges.

So, firstly, are you inspecting a gas or electricity bill?

Gas usage is paid for via megajoules (MJ) per hour while for electricity, it's all about kilowatts per hour (kWh).

Usage charges can also change, depending on the state you live in, how many people live in the house and the size of the property, so if you've just moved, don't be surprised if your energy bill is significantly different.

Extra heating or cooling utilised in different seasons will also impact your usage charges.

What are supply charges?

Supply charges are what the provider requests from you, the homeowner, for the basic costs of having your gas or electricity service connected to your house.

This includes maintaining electricity poles and wires.

You will also have to pay the same supply charge even if you're away on holidays as your fridge, clocks and other electricity and gas outlets still need assistance from your energy providers to keep running while you're away.

What are tariffs?

A tariff refers to what type of electricity meter is at your house.

It sounds like nothing much but your tariff - or meter - determines what you'll be charged for your electricity usage as the different types - think digital, dial and electronic, to name a few - reveal usage information in different ways.

Other notable bill points

While you're sensibly double-checking the ups and downs of your energy bill, here are some other points to note.

Firstly, is your bill based on an actual meter read or just an estimated one?

Depending on your provider, your meter may actually only be checked every quarter.

Other providers will allow homeowners to undertake their own meter reads and add them to their websites.

Your lovable but rather frightening pet may also be responsible for scaring off meter readers, which will then result in you not receiving a "real" bill.

Also, check what period your bill covers as again, it may only be for a particular period.

We're here to help

When it comes to comparing energy plans and deals, including gas and electricity bills as well as solar, we're the only people you need to call.

It's a competitive energy market out there but Moving Loop can help you find a new energy or internet provider or simply ensure you're enjoying the best deals and rates from a wide range of Australia's leading energy providers.

And we've saved the best news to last - our service is free!

Visit Moving Loop to find out more.