Dear Chester Municipal Electric Light customers:
We would like to take this time to explain the high electric bills for January. There were a few factors that played a role in the increase. First, there were 35 days in the billing cycle, compared to 28 days in the previous cycle, thus creating a 25% increase in the service period. CMELD is taking steps to ensure that future billing periods remain within 29 – 32 days.
Secondly, the PCA or Price Cost Adjustment went up from .00509 to .0753. The PCA is what CMELD needs to recoup for expenses charged to CMELD from ISO New England. ISO New England monitors the electric grid for the New England region. The Commissioners have voted to reduce the PCA to .0400 for the February and March billing.
Additionally, the billing cycle included the shortest days of the winter season as well as a two week period of below zero temperatures, resulting in additional kilowatt usage.
We would like to remind our customers that CMELD offers a 5% early payment discount to all customers, and we do not charge any additional fees or penalties for late payments. Also, we are happy to work with any customer to review account histories and assist customers in developing budget or payment plans.
CMELD offers free home energy audits through Energy New England and refers eligible customers to Springfield Partners for Community Action for additional weatherization and energy conservation services.
Springfield Partners for Community Action provides free energy assessments and funding for energy conservation improvements to qualified home owners or tenants. Tenant or homeowner must qualify for fuel assistance to be eligible for services. Contact 413-263-6500 or check out their website at www.springfieldpartnersinc.com
ENE Conserve provides energy audits on your home free of charge to Chester residents. Call 888-772-4242 to schedule your appointment today.
CMELD Residential Electrical Rates
Customer Charge: $6.30
Transmission Charge: .020146/kwh
Distribution Charge: .10248/kwh
Energy Charge: .05810/kwh
PCA (price cost adjustment) Recalculated every quarter: present rate for Feb & March.0400/kwh
Thank you,
Chester Municipal Electric Light Dept Staff