Billing:
What could be included in adjustments?
What is the Basic Electric Charge?
What is the Energy Charge?
What does an “E” following my meter reading mean?
What is the Off-Peak Meter Charge?
What is the Off-Peak (Storage, Interruptible, Dual Fuel) Energy Charge?
What is Operation Round-Up?
What is the Public Benefit Fee?
What is covered by the Security Light Charge?
How much are state and county taxes and do I pay them year round?
Credit and Collections:
Why does Polk-Burnett require credit information?
What happens if my electric account is past due?
What if my location has been disconnected for non-payment?
How can I prevent late payment fees on my account?
Other:
How soon does Polk-Burnett need to know I am moving?
How can I conserve energy at my location?
My home has life sustaining medical equipment that depends upon electric power, what information does Polk-Burnett need?
What are your office hours and are they the same at both Centuria and Siren?
What should I do in the event of a power outage?
Adjustments:
Adjustments may include, but are not limited to, late payment fees, nonsufficient funds check fees, billing corrections and balance transfers. (Top of Page)
Basic Electric Charge:
A cooperative member's equal share of our fixed costs represented by poles, wire, transformers, meters, substations, etc. that are needed so power can be available when we wish to use it. (Top of Page)
Energy Charge:
The amount of electricity used as measured in kilowatt-hours, multiplied by the current rate. (Top of Page)
Meter Readings and Estimated Readings:
Most Polk-Burnett meters are read electronically on a daily basis. Meter readings followed by the letter E have been estimated. The next actual reading will adjust for any high or low estimated readings and you pay only for actual energy used. (Top of Page)
Off-Peak Meter Charge:
A monthly charge covering the cost of providing off-peak electric service regardless of kilowatt-hours used. (Top of Page)
Off-Peak (Storage, Interruptible, Dual Fuel) Energy Charge:
The amount of off-peak electricity used as measured in kilowatt-hours, multiplied by the current rate. Typically electric heat and water heating systems qualify for this lower-rate service, which is subject to control times. Please call Polk-Burnett at 800-421-0283, ext. 318 or 319, or visit Polk-Burnett's off peak information page for details and rates. (Top of Page)
Operation Round-Up:
A voluntary program administered through Polk-Burnett Charities that rounds up your electric bill to the nearest dollar and donates the extra change collected to worthy programs in our area. (Top of Page)
Public Benefit Fee:
A monthly charge mandated by the State of Wisconsin that funds energy conservation and energy assistance programs in our area. This is not a Polk-Burnett charge. (Top of Page)
Security Light:
A monthly service charge covering the energy and maintenance costs of a Polk-Burnett security light. (Top of Page)
State and County Taxes:
State and county sales taxes are assessed at 5.5 percent. Residential homeowners receive a six-month moratorium on sales tax charges from November through April. (Top of Page)
Credit Information:
Polk-Burnett requests and uses credit information. We will charge a consumer deposit, in accordance with our policy, to those who have not established credit or who pose a credit risk. All such information will be maintained in strict confidence. (Top of Page)
Past Due Accounts:
Bills are due upon receipt. If you have a Balance Forward and do not pay it BEFORE the disconnect date on the front of this bill, your electric service will be scheduled for disconnection for nonpayment without further notice at the discretion of Polk-Burnett. If you have questions about your bill, please call the billing department, 800-421-0283, ext. 335. (Top of Page)
Disconnection/Reconnection/Collection Trips:
Unless the Balance Forward is received at Polk-Burnett BEFORE the disconnect date stated on the front of your bill, your electric service will be scheduled for disconnection for non-payment at the discretion of the cooperative. If your account is disconnected for nonpayment, all charges for collection trips ($50 each), disconnect and reconnect fees ($50 each), electricity used through the meter reading at disconnection and a maximum security deposit (equal to four times the average bill on your account during the past 12 months, or $400, whichever is greater) must be paid in full to restore service. Reconnects are scheduled Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. An additional $50 is required to reconnect service Saturdays or after 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Polk-Burnett does not accept checks to reconnect service Saturdays or after 4:30 p.m. weekdays. (Top of Page)
Late Payment Fee:
A $25 late payment fee will be applied on any Balance Forward. (Top of Page)
Moving:
Please contact us about a week prior to moving to enable us to discontinue or transfer your service when needed. (Top of Page)
Energy Conservation:
Polk-Burnett representatives are available to answer your questions about home energy use. In addition, now you can assess the energy efficiency of your home using your PC and the online energy audit on the Home Energy Saver website that has been reviewed by The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), as well as Polk-Burnett, and found to be the most beneficial to our customers. By entering basic information about your home, you will learn how energy efficient your home is now, and tips to increase your home's energy efficiency in the future. Let Home Energy Saver help you to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Click on the link now to begin your audit. (Top of Page)
Health and Safety Concerns:
If someone in your home uses life-sustaining equipment that relies on electricity, please provide Polk-Burnett with written documentation from a licensed medical doctor to identify the medical condition and specify the duration (Polk-Burnett Critical Medical Form). If you have critical medical equipment that depends upon electric power, you should also have a back-up power source available. (Top of Page)
Office Hours, Centuria or Siren:
Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A payment depository box is available 24 hours a day at both offices. (Top of Page)
Power Outage:
Check to be certain the problem isn't with your electric breakers or fuses, as fees apply if it is determine not to be a Polk-Burnett outage. Note if your neighbors are out of power and any additional information that will hellp Polk-Burnett quickly get to the source of the outage. Call for 24-hour service at 800-421-0283. (Top of Page)
Failure to receive a bill does not exempt you from timely payment, late charges or disconnection.