Billing and Metering

METER READING

Residential meters are self read - self billed. You receive a billing rate book and billing payment book for each service. Read your meter each month at the same time and figure your bill per the rate book. Send the current month’s page from the billing payment book along with your check.  Payments are due on the first of the month, delinquent by the tenth and subject to disconnect on or around the twentieth of each month.

Commercial and irrigation meters are read by the district. Bills are sent around the twentieth of the month, delinquent on the 10^th of the next month and subject to disconnect on or around the twentieth of the month.

Automated Meter Reading - Chimney Rock is in the process of adding the capability to read your meters remotely.  If you are interested in Chimney Rock reading your meters please contact the office at 586-1824.

Deposits

Deposits are required on all meters. Deposits will vary from$50.00 to $300.00 depending on a credit check

Meter Accuracy and Testing

An electric meter is an extremely accurate recording instrument, which measures the use of kilowatt hours. Meters are tested before being installed and then tested on a rotating basis to ensure accuracy. It is rare that a meter is found to run fast and record an increased usage. Like most other machines, meters tend to slow with age. If you believe there is a problem with your meter, CR will test the meter for accuracy. There is no charge for the test.

Meter Tampering
Tampering with electric lines or meters is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Any meters found tampered with will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Comparing Electric Bills

There is no way to compare your utility bill with friends and neighbors because you do not use your electric energy the same way. No two families own all the same appliances, do the same washing and drying, have the same hot water usage, use the same lights, or have the same lifestyles.  If you notice changes in the amount of your electric bill, look at the usage. The dollar amount on the bill depends totally on the amount of kilowatt hours that go through the same meter.

Common Causes of Bill Variations

CONDITIONS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL

•Seasons of the year •Light variations •Weather extremes •Daylight saving time

•Five-weekend months •Number of days in billing cycle •Defective house wires •Number of days between meter readings

CHANGES IN NORMAL LIVING CONDITIONS

•Size of family •Average age of family •Visiting relatives •New babies •Living habits change

•Vacations •Holidays •Repairs or remodeling •Hired help •Sickness •Spring cleaning

APPLIANCES

•New appliance added •Use of older appliances •Frost on refrigerator unit •Defective appliances

•Shortage of refrigerant •Inefficient use •Excessive use or leaks of hot water •Clogged air filters •Thermostat controls faulty or set too high

Service Charges

Service charges are as follows:

Beyond the meter during working hours: $50/hr.
Beyond the meter after hours: $75/hr.
Disconnect collection charge during working hours: $100
Disconnect collection charge after hours: $150
Yard Light service charge: $50
Pole removal or installation charge: $50
Tree Trimming and/or Cutting:  $200.00/hr