Billing Basics
ECI REC member-consumers' electric meter(s) are read on the first day of the month. With the Cooperative's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, your meter is read remotely from the office.
Electricity bills are usually generated about the ninth business day of the month following the meter reading. They are mailed around the 10th day of each month. Payments must be received at ECI REC on or before the first of every month.
Billing Details
Factors That Determine Your Monthly Bill
Several factors help determine the final amount due on your electric bill:
-
Different rate classes: Rate classes and sub-categories within each class are based on similar patterns of electric consumption.
-
Cost categories: A Facility Charge, Energy Charge, Energy Cost Adjustment, state and county taxes, and perhaps a Demand Charge impact your bill. Visit the Terms on Your Bill page for more details.
-
Facility Charge: Is a flat monthly charge that represents the fixed costs of making electricity available to your meter. This charge covers the meter, customer accounting, and a portion of the poles, wires, and line transformer serving you. The amount of the charge will vary only with the size of the transformer serving your residence, business, or facility. It does not change with the amount of electricity you use.
-
Here's a downloadable brochure on FAQs regarding the Facility Charge and Rate Structure or;
-
View the Facility Charge section digitally under the "Terms on Your Bill" web page for a digital breakdown and an infographic.
-
-
Special programs: Enrollment in Budget Billing, the Heat Plus program, RECare, or Support Iowa Renewables will also impact your amount due.
To better meet all member-consumers' needs, ECI offers six payment options for members to pay their bills. None have additional service fees.
Bill consolidation is available for those with multiple accounts. If all multiple-account consumers signed up for bill consolidation, ECI REC would save 28 reams of paper and over $7,400 a year.
ECI REC offers both a budget billing program that establishes a set monthly billing amount and an energy assistance program that helps qualifying members pay winter heating bills.
ECI REC's electric rates are divided primarily into three rate groups: residential, agricultural, and commercial. Several factors go into determining a location's service rate.
The best way to avoid a late fee or a disconnect is to contact us by phone at 877-850-4343 or to stop in at our office. Options are available to help you manage your electric bills.
Service Calls and Charges are applied for a variety of services such as underground utility locates, disconnections, meter testing, and return checks.
If member-consumers choose to participate, there are several programs that affect electric bills. These programs support renewable energy, political groups, and members in need.