Why is my map number important

Your map number can be found on the front of your handbook, at the top of your billing tickets, and above your name on the front of your self-billing record.

What happens when I don’t pay my bill?

When payment or satisfactory payment arrangements are not received by the twenty-fourth (24^th) of the month, an employee will be sent to read the meter. They will either collect the total amount due or disconnect service. The total amount due shall include usage to date, a service charge, and a security deposit (to insure future payments). If service is desired after disconnection, a reconnection charge will be added to the total amount due. Same day reconnection could require additional over time fees.

Why do my lights get dim and bright?

In some cases, this is due to electrical devices, such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc., on the same circuit coming on while another device is running, thus overloading the circuit momentarily. If this seems to occur frequently or across separate circuits in your home, it may indicate a loose neutral wire, which can be a fire hazard.

Why are my clocks blinking?

We use devices called oil circuit reclosures (OCRs) that automatically clear short circuits on the system. When OCRs do their job, it causes brief interruptions in service. When the line clears itself this means that line crews don't need to be dispatched and you continue to have power.

However, if you are experiencing brief interruptions several times a day, or if you have interruptions only during wet weather, contact the operations department.

What are common sources of high bills?

·Electrical faults in wiring systems

physical damage

moisture

dirt

improper connections

·Bad or faulty underground electric line

·Equipment using electricity that you thought was turned off

·Stock watering thermostat stuck or incorrectly set

·Faulty water heater element or thermostat

·Continually running well pump

faulty pressure tank

bad foot valve in the well

water leaks in underground pipes or metal pipes in the well

leaky faucets

bad floats in toilets

·Heat lights or heat tapes in a well house

·Lights left on in basement, attic, storage closet, or outbuilding

·Improperly sealed doors, windows, or refrigeration equipment

·Clogged coils on outside air conditioning or heat pump unit

·Clogged air filter on heating unit

If no problems are found, CMEC has test meters available to record the electrical consumption. However, if all methods fail, contact your electrician.

How do I troubleshoot my high bill?

Following the steps below may help you pinpoint problems by energizing as much of your electrical wiring system as possible, one circuit at a time.

Turn off the main disconnect. The meter should stop. If not, be sure the water pump is turned off at its own fuse box.
Shut all breakers off at the panel box.
Turn main disconnect on. The meter should be stopped.
Turn the breakers on, one by one, to see which one starts the meter. This will tell you what is using electricity in your home.

What is a peak alert?

Electricity cannot be stored. It must be produced on demand. The purpose of the Peak Alert program is to hold down the cost of electric bills by reducing the highest load (demand) for electricity during the year. Peak Alert does not mean there is not enough power available; however, cooperatives must purchase enough electricity to fill their heaviest demand for it. During times of peak demand, every available generator is running. Some generators are used only a few hours a year to meet your peak demand and, as a result, it costs more to produce peak load energy.

CMEC calls a Peak Alert any time the weather has been extremely hot or extremely cold for an extended length of time and the state's energy use threatens to reach a peak. Bulletins will be issued on the radio, advising members of the situation developing. Members are asked to reduce their use of power during the heavy usage hours of those days. When you hear the Peak Alert announcement, you know CMEC is trying to reduce the cost of electricity. Every member’s cooperation is very important. Even a small reduction in energy consumption, makes a big difference. Be sure to stay tuned to the local radio station for specific times.

The peak demand usually occurs in the summer on extremely hot days between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. and in the winter on extremely cold days between 5:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Is there a problem with my meter?

CMEC’s experience shows that 99.9% of high bills are directly related to electric consumption. When a meter is at the end of its service life, it will gradually slow down until it stops registering usage altogether. A meter going bad is very unlikely to increase speed and register unused kwh.

What is NPC?

New Policy Construction (NPC) is the money you contributed to the cost of building new service. This is credited to your account annually based on your usage ($1.00 credit for every $6.00 usage over the monthly minimum)

What is the cost of new service?

Many factors determine the cost of your new service. Contact the operations department to schedule an appointment with an engineer.