1.
electricity bill, electric bill
The cost of electricity usage, typically paid monthly.
電気代が高い。
The electricity bill is high.
電気代を払う。
To pay the electricity bill.
夏はエアコンを使うから、電気代が上がる。
The electricity bill goes up in summer because we use the air conditioner.
A compound of 電気 (electricity) + 代 (cost/charge). Refers to the monthly electricity bill.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 電気代を払う: to pay the electricity bill
- 電気代を節約する: to save on electricity costs
- 電気代が上がる/下がる: the bill goes up/down
- 電気代がかかる: electricity costs add up
SYNONYM:
電気料金 is the more formal/official term for electricity charges, used on bills and by utility companies. 電気代 is the everyday conversational form.
RELATED UTILITY COSTS:
- 水道代: water bill
- ガス{代|がすだい}: gas bill
- 光熱費: utility costs (electricity + gas + heating combined)
- 通信費: communication costs (phone, internet)
The 〜代 suffix is commonly used for costs: 電話代 (phone bill), 食事代 (meal cost), 家賃 (rent, though this uses a different suffix).