Understanding Your Electric Bill

August's hot temperatures often mean higher electric bills as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool. At EREC, we believe understanding your bill helps you make informed energy decisions.

The biggest factor affecting your bill is the amount of electricity

you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest contributor to increased energy use.

Your bill also reflects the cost of purchasing power, which EREC receives from PowerSouth. These costs can fluctuate based on fuel prices and the overall demand for electricity. In addition, electricity must travel across high-voltage transmission lines before reaching EREC's local distribution system, all of which requires ongoing maintenance and investment to ensure reliable service.

Another part of your bill is the monthly service charge. This fixed fee helps cover the cost of maintaining poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and other equipment, while ensuring crews and resources are available 24/7 to safely deliver electricity to every member.

There are several ways to help reduce your energy use and lower your bill. Raising your thermostat a few degrees when you're away, replacing HVAC filters regularly, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks, and limiting the use of major appliances during the hottest part of the day can all improve efficiency.

EREC is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that influence energy costs. If you have questions about your electric bill or would like tips on saving energy, we're always here to help.