COMPLAINING about the size of the power bill is practically a national sport. But how would you feel about opening one to find it had five digits?

A $17,813 bill for electricity use has sparked a dispute between a Canberra GP and the ACT's major power supplier, ActewAGL.

Dr Yarub Jamiel with his latest electricity bill in excess of $25000. Credit:Jay Cronan

Yarub Jamiel was shocked when the astronomical bill arrived in his O'Malley letterbox in May.

The 50-year-old said the biggest electricity bill he had ever received in the territory previously was $580 for three months' worth of power.