About Your Bill

Customer charge: This $5 charge was intended to cover the cost of a basic minimum service (meter, transformer, service line, etc.) in 1984.

Energy Charges: These charges are calculated in "blocks"; residential use up to and including 500 kilowatt-hours is billed at one rate, and kilowatt-hours above 500 are billed at a different rate.

PCA charge: The wholesale power cost adjustment (PCA) is the only component of the bill based on a factor that fluctuates monthly. There are two major costs associated with getting electricity to your home. First, there is the cost to build the power plants, substations and miles of line, and to maintain these systems in good working order. This cost is fairly predictable and is reflected in the base energy rate. Secondly, there is the cost to produce and deliver the electricity. This cost is quite volatile and is reflected in the power cost adjustment.

Minimum bill: Members whose bills calculate to less than $25 will receive a bill of $25 plus any other appropriate charges such as taxes, security lights, etc. This minimum bill is an attempt to recover a greater portion of Southern Pine's cost of providing service to members than does the $5 customer charge. Costs of providing service include maintaining rights of way and distribution lines, reading meters, preparing and mailing bills, receiving and posting payments, providing personnel to assist members with service-related questions or problems, and many other behind-the-scenes functions.

Terms of payment: Each month's bill is due upon receipt. A $3 delinquent fee will be applied if current month charges of $30 or more remain unpaid at the delinquent date. This date is printed in a block at the top right and at the bottom right of the bill. The "subject to disconnection" date appears at the top right corner of the bill, underneath the delinquent date. Prior balance is subject to disconnect immediately.

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