FAQs

 

Do I have to read my own meter?

No! All meters in all rate classes are read remotely on the last day of the month.

 

If I carry a balance over to the next month's bill, is there a penalty?

All past due balances are assessed 1.5% on the 18th of the month.

 

What should I do if my lights go out?

The very first thing to do is check your breaker panel in your home. If your breakers are still on, go to your meter and check the breakers there. If the breakers below the meter are still on, it's time to call the REA. If either set of breakers is out, there is probably a problem with your wire and you will need to call an electrician.

 

Do I still need to call if the whole neighborhood is out of power?

Yes! This helps us track the problem. Your problem may be independent and coincidental to the neighborhood problem.

 

What is a Facility Charge?

The facility charge is the fixed cost of maintaining and upgrading the power lines and associated equipment.

 

What is a Capital Credit Allocation?

It is your share of the Cooperative's margin. Wheatland REA normally pays its' capital credits on a twenty-year rotation, hence an allocation for 1985 will not be paid until the year 2005. These allocations are paid only after the Board of Directors approves capital credits payments for a given year.

 

Why is my electric bill so much higher this month?

There can be any number of reasons for a higher utility bill. The first place to look is the weather. Has there been a change in the weather? Was it colder than the preceding month? Were the kids home from college more this month? Was an appliance left running unattended?...and on and on. Seldom is it a "meter-gone crazy", in fact almost never is it a problem with your meter.