What is all that stuff under “Detail of Charges” on my monthly bill?
The largest number is usually the “Energy Charge” which is the charge for the actual kilowatt-hours you used in the previous month. We take the meter reading, multiply it by your rate, and this is the result. The “Service Availability” is a flat fee that we charge for each meter. This helps us recoup the cost of the equipment that is in place even if you don’t use any electricity that month. The “Energy Cost Adjustment” is how we pass on the unpredictable additional costs associated with generating electricity. Because the costs of natural gas, fossil fuels and coal used to produce electricity can unexpectedly increase, the price Heartland REC pays for power can increase as well. We add the “ECA” to recoup that additional cost. The ECA is based on your consumption, and is paid directly on to those from whom we purchase power. Heartland does not retain any of that money. “County Taxes” are also collected by Heartland and paid to the county in which you reside.
