Understanding Your Bill

This is the unique account number assigned to you for this specific location. Your account number is used for billing purposes. It allows us to access information pertaining to your account in our computer system.

This date is the date that the current charges are due.

This is the date that this months bill was actually billed out. This is NOT the reading date.

These dates show the date of the current meter reading and that of the previous reading.

The number of days in this area are reflective of the total number of days within your reading period. Pay careful attention to this field, as it can vary from month to month resulting in some fluctuation in your bills. If you had a meter changed out at your location sometime during this months reading period, this figure will only show for the number of days the new meter has been in place. However, the usage will be for the total of the two meters between the two reading dates.

The difference between your current meter reading and your previous meter reading determines your usage. Electric usage is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The usage is then multiplied by the rate per kwh to determine a cost for the electricity used. This total is shown in the summary column.

The figure shown here is for all payments/credits applied to your account since your last billing.

This tells you that there is currently a balance due prior to this billing. This can either be a previous bill that has not been paid or a portion of a partially paid bill.

Kilo Watt. The peak usage of real power over one 15-minute interval each month.

The power cost adjustment is used to compensate for the fluctuating cost that we pay for power. Your PPA charge or credit (-) is calculated by multiplying the usage figure by the current month’s PPA rate. The PPA can be adjusted monthly and is directly impacted by the cost of gas and oil, the fossil fuels used in the generation of electricity. The Purchase Power Adjustment is based on the best estimates available for what it will cost to purchase and generate power from month to month.

The minimum amount that will be charged for the month, even if there is no usage, and will be based upon customer class and the rate in effect at the time.

The calculated power supply cost savings to the Department from its allocation of hydroelectric power from the Power Authority of New York (NYPA) shall be credited to residential customers as governed by Federal and State regulations. The savings per household shall be known as “Hydro Credit” item on the bill.

Heating degree days are indicators of household energy consumption for space heating. It was found that for an average outdoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, most buildings require heat to maintain a 70 degree temperature inside. Similarly, for an average outdoor temperature of 65 degrees or more, most buildings require air-conditioning to maintain a 70 degree temperature inside.

Take the high and low temperature for the day, and average them. If this number is greater than 65 F, then we have (Average temperature -65) cooling degree days. If the average temperature is less than 65 degrees, then we have (65 – Average temperature) heating degree days. Running totals are kept for these units over a period of a year so fuel distributors and power companies can assess average demands.