Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did I receive two bills this month?

When the member moves from one location to another, the location for which that member is billed changes, as well. The member will be responsible for the electricity used at the previous location up to the point when he or she disconnected service and changed to the new location. This means that a final bill will be generated for the old location, and a bill will be generated for the new location from the point at which the member moved in and became responsible for the bill. In other words, each is a partial bill for each location.

2. Why is my bill so expensive this month?

There are many reasons why your bill could fluctuate either up and down. Most commonly, however, we hear from our members when their bills unexpectedly go up. A few of the first possibilities to consider are:

Have there been extra people in the household that could be using more electricity?
Do you have old appliances that may be going bad, such as an old hot water heater?
Have you added an appliance that may draw a lot of power, such as an electric heater or a headbolt plug-in?

There are many possibilities, and members are encouraged to contact KEA if they need assistance tracking down any potential problems.

3. Why do I have to come to KEA's office and sign paperwork in order to transfer, disconnect or sign up for electricity?

In order to avoid misunderstandings about exactly what a member wishes to have done, it is important members come into the office personally to make job requests. This way, KEA has a copy of the request with a signature, and any applicable fees can be collected. We understand that time is valuable for both the member and for our linemen, so we want to minimize the risk of any wasted time.

4. I moved out of that house a month ago. Why am I responsible for the bill?

When a member is preparing to move out of a location where they are responsible for the electric service, the member must contact KEA in advance and schedule a date to disconnect the electric service at that location. KEA has no way of knowing when a member is moving unless they call or stop by to tell us. And until a member formally signs out with KEA, they remain responsible for the electric bill.

5. I have two accounts with KEA. Why do I only get Power Cost Equalization (PCE) on one of my accounts?

PCE is a welcome break on our electric bills. For many of us, it cuts our monthly electric bill by a third. But PCE is limited, and possibly a disappearing resource. For this reason, the state has limited the PCE credit to one account per member.

6. Why do I have to pay a membership and meter deposit?

KEA is a member-owned, nonprofit cooperative. According to our byelaws, every potential member is required to pay a membership fee in order to become a member of the cooperative. This is refundable to the member upon cancellation. Paying the fee and being accepted through the Board of Directors entitles the member to the rights and privileges associated with cooperative membership. This includes the eventual paying of patronage capital, which is a return of the earnings made by KEA above its expenses.

A meter deposit is a standard requirement to provide a small safeguard against those who do not pay for their electric bill. When a member does not pay their bill, it is all the other members of the cooperative who must ultimately cover that debt. The meter deposit is not intended to be used for the final bill. It is a way to ensure that the final bill gets paid. When a member's final bill is paid, then the meter deposit will be refunded.

7. Why do I have to pay a reconnect fee after my electricity is turned off for nonpayment?

By the time a member's electricity is turned off for nonpayment, their account has been delinquent for more than 90 days. Out of fairness to other members, a fee is charged to the delinquent member to cover the cost of sending the lineman out to disconnect and then reconnect when the member has paid the bill.