Basic charges are the charges for generation, transmission, and distribution that all customers must pay in order to retain electric service.

The basic monthly charge is designed to partially cover the costs of installing and maintaining the electric system and related equipment. The charge is usually the same each month, no matter how much electricity is used.

Distribution is the local wires, transformers, substations, and other equipment used to distribute and deliver electricity from high-voltage transmission lines to consumers.

The energy charge is part of the basic charges for production of electricity from a power plant, maintenance of infrastructure, and delivery of electricity. It is the charge to generate, transmit, and deliver electricity to customers. Energy charges will vary according to how much electricity is used.

Generation is the production of electricity from a power plant. Transmission is the interconnecting electric lines which move high voltage electricity from where it is produced to the point of distribution to customers.

A kilowatt-hour is the basic unit of electricity for which most customers are charged. It equals the amount of electricity used by ten 100-watt light bulbs during one hour.

Non-basic charges are charges for any category of service not related to basic services (generation, transmission, and distribution). Some examples of non-basic charges include area lights, fees, and sales tax.

A purchased power adjustment is a temporary adjustment to the energy rate charged to consumers due to an unforeseen change in wholesale power costs. The adjustment may be applied when the cost of purchased power differs from the base kilowatt-hour price calculated into our present rates. The charge will vary according to how much electricity is used. Please see Purchased Power Adjustment page for more information.