In the electricity bills, the Santander Electrifier, ESSA, began to charge an increase of $1,000 for shifts 4, 5 and 6 in order to solve the economic crisis of La Guajira declared a few years ago by President Gustavo Petro.
Many people may have overlooked this increase because they sometimes limit themselves to just looking at the total amount of the payment, without taking into account the fees incurred and the taxes paid.
These are some keys to consider when interpreting the Public Services Bill at Home.
1. Personal information and account number
The first thing you should check when receiving your public service bill is your personal information. Make sure your name, address and account number are correct. This is important to ensure the invoice is credited to the correct account. An error in this information could result in the accumulation of unreasonable debts or interruption of services.
2. Issue and expiration dates
Check the date the receipt was issued to ensure it is current. Past due invoices may result in late payment fees and service interruptions. Also pay special attention to the due date as this is the period within which payment can be made without incurring late payment interest. Mark this date on your calendar or set reminders to avoid late payments.
3. Breakdown of benefits
Carefully review the list of services offered and associated fees. Make sure each service is broken down correctly and corresponds to what you use. Check tariffs and unit prices to ensure they are consistent with previous agreements or the tariffs advertised by the energy supplier.
4. Meters and consumption
If the bill contains information about your consumption, e.g. For example, electricity, water or gas, check whether the numbers match your typical consumption. Readings that are too high or low can indicate problems or leaks with the meter. If you notice any significant discrepancies, contact the utility company immediately to investigate the situation.
5. Taxes and additional costs
Make sure you understand all taxes and additional fees that apply to your bill. These may include state or local taxes, fees for certain services, or surcharges for excessive resource use. Check your utility company’s policies to understand the nature of these fees and see if there is any way you can reduce them.
6. Credits and Discounts
Check whether credits or discounts have been applied to your invoice. These may come from promotions, past billing adjustments, or utility programs. It is important to check that these benefits have been applied correctly to reduce your overall balance.
7. Total amount to be paid
The total of all fees, taxes, discounts and credits must equal the “Total Amount” on your invoice. Make sure this amount matches what you are willing to pay. If there are discrepancies, investigate further to avoid paying more than necessary.
8. Payment methods and options
Check the payment methods available on your invoice. Utility companies offer a variety of options, such as online payments, automatic transfers, checks, or in-person payments. Choose the method that is most convenient for you and make sure you understand the deadlines and procedures involved.
9. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about your bill, look for the utility company’s contact information on your bill. This may include telephone numbers, emails or physical addresses. Please contact customer service at any time to clarify or resolve any issues regarding your bill.
10. Payment History and Registration
It is important to keep accurate records of past payments. Compare previous payment amounts and dates with your current bill to make sure everything is in order. Keeping a payment history can also be helpful in the event of disputes or future problems.
In short, checking your electricity bill is an important practice to keep track of your expenses and ensure you are billed accurately and fairly. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can avoid unpleasant surprises on your invoices and ensure your services run smoothly. Thoroughly reviewing your utility bills is an important step toward efficient and responsible financial management.
