By BETH THOMAS
Special to Atmore News
While the cost of necessities like gas and groceries has increased, Alabama Power has worked hard to keep the cost of electricity as low as possible.
However, the rising cost of fuel has necessitated an adjustment to our rate. Beginning in August, the typical residential customer bill will increase by about $6 a month to cover this higher cost of fuel. Using diverse fuel types and sources has helped dampen the increase – which is lower than the current rate of inflation. We do not make any money from fuel expenses, and remain committed to providing the low-cost, dependable service customers have come to expect.
We’re here to help customers struggling to pay their bills. To discuss options, they can chat with us online, give us a call or visit us in person at one of our offices.
Summary of changes:
- Customers will see changes to their monthly bills this summer.
- In July, all customers will receive a one-time credit of about $19 for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours a month due to lower costs in 2021.
- Beginning in August, customer bills will adjust about 5 percent due to higher fuel costs, and the adjustment is lower than the current rate of inflation.
- Customers will also see an adjustment to the storm restoration fund, resulting in a slight decrease to customer bills.
- Combined, bills will adjust about $6 a month for the typical residential customer.
- Our total retail price remains below the national average.
- Most utilities around the U.S. have seen fuel costs increase over the past several months with inflation at or near a 40-year high.
- The cost of fuel is a pass-through expense to customers, meaning the company does not make money from fuel costs.
- We want to empower customers and help them manage their energy usage and monthly bill.
- You can manage daily energy use by enrolling in My Power Usage on your online account at AlabamaPower.com. The tool shows daily and monthly usage, projected bill amounts and sends email alerts when bills reach a set dollar amount.
- Find easy tips to save money and use less energy at AlabamaPower.com/Summerize.
- Budget Billing is a free service that lets you pay an averaged bill each month, based on annual use. Budget Billing can help stabilize seasonal variations in energy bills.
- Those able to support neighbors in need can check the Project SHARE box on their Alabama Power bill or online account. Contributions to Project SHARE, administered by the Salvation Army, directly support low-income and elderly customers in our communities.
- Partners in the community also are ready to help. More information on resources and assistance programs to help your neighbors through Community Action Agencies is available at AlabamaPower.com/PaymentAssistance.
- You can enroll in a time-of-use rate to save money based on when and how you use major appliances in your home.
- With the Family Dwelling-Demand Rate Plan, save money by staggering the use of major appliances and running them at night and on weekends. The more major appliances you can avoid using at the same time during peak hours, the more money you save.
- The Time Advantage-Energy Rate Plan also helps save money when shifting electricity use to nights and weekends.
Beth Thomas is External Affairs Manger at Alabama Power.