What is the “Electric System Lease” charge that appears on my bill?
Customers who live in or near villages will find this charge on their bill. This charge amounts to 15 percent, and is the amount of money Southern is required to pay to the village for utilizing their electric distribution system. The villages own the poles, wires, transformers and streetlights, but Southern maintains the system for the village, sends bills to customers, and receives payment from customers. In 1999, Southern took over the operation of many village electric systems from Nebraska Public Power District, and this is when the 15% rate agreement was made.
