As you can imagine, we receive numerous questions about power, usage, billing and other factors. In an effort to better assist our members, we've pulled together a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions and posted them below for your reference. Should you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at (800) 992-1626.
An electric cooperative is a not-for-profit electric utility that is owned by the members it serves.
To apply for service at a location currently being served by Pee Dee Electric, you will need the following information: the physical address of the location where you need service; a valid driver's license; social security number and mailing address. You will also need to provide the 7-digit number located on the faceplate of the meter that is installed at your service location.
To apply for 'New' service, as in the case of new construction, or new home site that does not currently have a meter installed, you will need the following information at the time application is made: the physical address of the location where service is to be constructed, if available; a name and address for where all bills and documentation should be mailed; valid driver's license, and social security number. An appointment will be scheduled for one of our Staking Technicians to conduct a site visit to assess what will be necessary for construction of the service. At that time, a work order will be generated to begin the process.
A security deposit will be collected in advance of service connection or at any subsequent time when the Cooperative determines that a deposit is needed to ensure payment of bills. As an alternative, the Cooperative will accept one of the following: (1) A satisfactory credit risk assessment acceptable to the Cooperative; or (2) a parent or legal guardian who is a member in good standing may guarantee payment of the applicant's bill.
The 'Facility Charge' that appears on your monthly electric bill covers the basic cost of bringing electricity to each account location. It covers expenses the cooperative incurs regardless of how much electricity is sold. It includes substation equipment and property, overhead and underground lines, poles, transformers, meters and other cooperative expenses. The electric delivery system is a significant investment and we must maintain the investment to ensure reliability and safety. Here's a Video that explains it all.
Pee Dee Electric's rates have a base cost for the price of fuel to generate electricity built into the rate structure. This price of fuel fluctuates from month-to-month. It is important to remember that the monthly rate for electricity does not change; however, the cost to produce the energy does change. In months where the cost of fuel may be higher, the adjustment will be seen as an added cost based on the amount of power used. In the months where the cost of fuel is less, the adjustment will be seen as a credit on the same basis.
A member in good standing is any member who has fulfilled all obligations for any and all accounts under the member's name and who, within the previous 24 months has had (1) not more than two delinquent billings, (2) no involuntary disconnections, (3) no returned checks and (4) no violations of meter tampering.
Our budget billing program is great for those on a fixed income, or anyone who just wants to be able to plan ahead. Budget billing is available to customers who have been with us for at least a year and their account is in good standing. We average the billing associated with your account for the last 12 months, then use the average as the standard payment until the following October. In October, we average the bill for the last 12 months again. If an adjustment needs to be made, you will either be issued a refund, or will be required to pay an additional amount, depending upon your power usage.
In most cases, unusually high bills are a result of seasonal changes in energy uses or problems with appliances. It is rare to have a meter running faster than actual power usage. If you feel that your meter is not correct, contact a Customer Service Representative at one of our offices, or via the phone. They will analyze your energy usage history, especially during the same time last year, and offer guidelines for energy efficiency. If you want to have your meter tested, there is a meter test charge of $50. If the meter test shows that a meter is in fact faulty, Pee Dee Electric will change the meter, adjust your bill accordingly and refund the meter test charge.
Pee Dee Electric will maintain the right-of-way around all power lines in an effort to rid any possible items that may interfere or threaten to endanger the operation or maintenance at the Cooperative's lines or system. Maintaining these areas includes the following: cutting, trimming, or spraying herbicides to control growth of trees or shrubbery located within the right-of-way. The Cooperative will remove any debris resulting from right-of-way maintenance.
The answer is quite simple - fuel is used to generate electricity. Coal, which is used to produce 51.7% of the nation's electric power, has steadily increased in cost in the past couple of years. Natural Gas is currently used to generate 15.9% of electricity in the United States. More than 90% of the power plants to be built in the next 20 years will likely be fueled by Natural Gas. Therefore, an increase in the cost of coal and Natural Gas increases the price of electricity.