What is a kilowatt hour? What are the charges listed on my monthly electric bill, and why am I paying them? It’s important for North Western Electric Cooperative members to understand the various parts of their monthly electric bill and know where to look to find important information.

Before we begin breaking down your bill, let’s first define what a kilowatt hour (kWh) is. A kWh is a unit of measurement recorded by an electric meter that indicates the amount of electricity consumed over a one-hour period. One kWh is equal to the amount of energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour.

The chart located in the top right corner of your NWEC bill compares your monthly kWh use with the same month of the previous year. Below this chart is a table that compares your current month’s energy use with the previous month and the same month last year. Here, members can find their average daily cost (kWh + distribution charge) and better understand the way temperature impacts their monthly bill. 

The horizontal table below the member’s address offers a side-by-side visual of their usage from that billing cycle, compared with the last billing cycle. Under “Activity Since Last Bill,” members can view their most recent payments and their balance prior to billing. You may also see alert messages here about upcoming co-op events, special program notices, etc.

 

 

 

 

In the Current Bill Information section, members will see an itemized breakdown of their bill, including the: 

  • Distribution Service Charge: This is what it costs to have electricity available when you need it. This is a fixed amount that includes the cost of poles, wires, transformers, meters, substations, service trucks, tree trimming, administrative costs, payroll, billing, and other expenses related to running the cooperative. 
  • Energy Charge: This is the “usage (energy) charge,” which is calculated by multiplying the actual kWh used with your base rate. Find your base rate on this page by clicking on the 2025 Rate Sheet link. 
  • Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment: This figure is based on the price your co-op pays Buckeye Power (the wholesale provider) for electricity. If the current price per kWh rises above or falls below the base rate, then an adjustment is made. The price changes monthly based on factors such as the cost of fuel, environmental controls, and peak demands on the system. 
  • Miscellaneous Tax Charge: This charge is based on the amount of kWh used and is imposed by the State of Ohio. 

Other line items members may see in this section, depending on their involvement in these programs, include: 

  • Round-Up Amount: The Operation Round-Up program is an optional program that provides help to local charities, individuals, and community projects. Participating members’ bills are rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. For example, if the member’s bill is $99.50, their bill will be rounded up to $100.00 and $0.50 will be donated to the Operation Round-Up program. Members are automatically opted into this program but can be removed at any time, by request. 
  • Radio Control Switch Credit: This $3 per month credit is given to members that participate in the Water Heater Load Management Program by having a radio-controlled switch installed. 

As a reminder, NWEC payments are always due on the 10th of every month or the following business day if the 10th falls on a weekend. If the amount due is not paid in full by that date, a late payment charge will be added to your account. Members have several convenient payment options:

  • Pay online: A free, 24/7 payment option where members can use their credit/debit card or checking account to pay their bill. 
  • On our app: SmartHub is a free app members can use to easily manage their electric account. On SmartHub, members can pay their bill, view their payment history, monitor their usage, and more. 
  • By phone: Call 419-636-5051 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reach one of NWEC’s friendly member service representatives or call the automated services line at 1-855-941-3542 anytime to pay your bill. 
  • Automatic payments: Members can enroll in this option to have payments automatically deducted from their checking/savings account or charged to their debit/credit card. 
  • By mail: Members can complete the pay stub at the bottom of their electric bill and mail it with payment to our office: P.O. Box 391, Bryan, OH 43506.
  • In person: Drop your payment off inside our office any time between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or in one of our safety deposit boxes located at the end of our drive and by the front entrance of our building. 
  • Budget billing: Members who enroll in this plan will receive a monthly bill that is calculated based on the average of their last 12 months of usage. Although their payments will be slightly different each month, they will be more consistent, eliminating large fluctuations from season to season. 

As always, your NWEC team is here to help you. If you ever have questions about your bill or anything related to your electric account, please give us a call at 419-636-5051.