Did you make the switch to Provider Power recently? Switching energy providers is simple – you don’t even have to update your contact information for billing. However, your bill will be different than before.
Here’s some basic yet essential information on how to read your energy bill.
One Account, Two-Part Energy Bills
In areas where energy is deregulated two entities are needed to get electricity to a home or business:
Provider Power
We’re the energy supplier. We’ve purchased electricity from power generation companies to sell directly to consumers. Provider Power also provides customer service to help you make the most of your electric services.
Public Utility
The local public utility delivers the power to consumers’ homes and reads the electric meter. They are also the ones who correct power outages and maintain the power infrastructure.
Because Provider Power and the local public utility work in tandem, you may get two energy bills. It’s also possible that you’ll receive a single bill from your utility, but the supply charges for Provider Power will be listed separately. It all depends on your market and how billing is regulated.
Items on Your Electric Bill
Every utility and supplier will have their own unique energy bill. Today, many are online e-bills rather than paper bills that are mailed to a property. Regardless of how it’s delivered, most electric bills have similar items to look for.
Account Number
Every bill will list the account number at the top to identify the account being billed. It’s a good idea to always make sure the account number is correct.
Invoice Number/Date
Also at the top of the bill, you’ll find the bill’s invoice number and the date of the statement.
Service For Section
This section contains a lot of basic account information. There will items like the utility company ID number, utility account number and Provider Power’s license number.
Summary of Activity/Account Summary
Here is where you’ll see the amount that’s due and when it has to be paid. You’ll also get a breakdown of your activity since the previous bill. It will include the previous amount due and last payment that was received. If there were any penalty payments or late fees they’ll be listed in this section as well.
*If you receive two bills this section will only contain the supply charges. The fees from the utility company for electric transmission and delivery will be on a separate bill.
Electric Plan Details
Your bill should include information about your specific electric plan including the name, kWh rate, term length/expiration date, auto payment status and more.
Billing History
You can see the billing activity over the previous 12 months.
Important Messages
Any pertinent info such as promotional details will be included in this section.
Payment Stub
If you receive paper statements and plan to pay by mail a detachable payment stub will be on the bill usually at the bottom. The stub will include payment information for that bill.
Definition of Terms
This is a glossary explaining the different terms used on the bill. If you still need clarification for a term or have a related question contact customer support at 866-573-2674 Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.
Payment Methods
Your bill should specify which payment methods are accepted and how you can pay (by mail, online, payment centers, etc.). There should also be information on the steps to take if you need financial assistance in order to pay your energy bill.
Current Charges
The current charge is a complete breakdown of the total amount due. This will include the charge for energy usage plus other monthly fees from Provider Power, taxes and other fees from local and state governments. Examples of other fees include PUC assessments, utility surcharges, and advanced metering charges. If you have any credits that were applied it should be noted.
Usage Details
Here you’ll find all of the information related to your electric usage – kilowatt hours used/meter reading, previous meter reading and billing period.
If You Receive a Single, Combined Energy Bill
For customers that receive one, combined bill there are a few things to be aware of in terms of the charges that are included.
Provider Power supply charges will be a line item on the bill breakdown. Typically it is specified as a supply charge with the rate and usage noted.
Transmission and distribution/delivery charges are for the utility’s services. They are based on how much energy is used.
Local and state taxes will be included.
Any additional fees will also be added as a line item.
The utility company may refer to both the supply and transmission charges as “energy charges”. If this is the case, it may look like you are being charged for your electric use twice when in fact they are two separate charges.
Summary Billing for Multiple Meters
If your property or account has multiple meters there will be a summary billing section that notes the locations of each meter and the electric usage for each one.
Learn More About Provider Power Billing
Still, have questions about your electric bill? We’re here to help you understand every facet of your electricity usage. Give our customer service team a call at 866-573-2674 if you need more information about your electric bill.
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