SmartHub

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the energy charge?

There is a line on your bill that shows the previous meter reading, the current meter reading, and the kWh(kilowatt-hour) Usage. The number under the heading kWh Usage is the number of kilowatt-hours consumed between the two reading dates. The number of kWH’s is multiplied by the energy rate to determine the energy charge.

What is the energy rate?

It is the charge per kilowatt-hour that you pay for electricity. For residential and seasonal members the energy rate is $0.133 (13.3 cents) per kilowatt-hour. There are other energy rates for other types of members. To find the rate, simply divide the energy charge by the number of kWH’s shown on your bill.

What is NRECA?

Individual electric cooperatives like ours have a strong advocate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association or NRECA. This organization is made up of directors, managers, and employees from cooperatives across the country. This network of professionals and peers works hard to bring a better quality of life to people like us, in communities like ours. To find out more about NRECA, log onto www.nreca.org today.

Season member, residential member . . . what's the difference?

According to Alger-Delta’s tariffs, the technical name for a residential service is a “Farm and Home Service.” Farm and Home Service is “Available to member-consumers of the Cooperative for all normal farm and home uses at the address shown on the member’s driver’s license and voter’s registration card” So, whatever address is listed on the member’s driver's license is eligible for Farm and Home Service and will fall under the rate structure and service charges associated with that type of service.

Also in our tariffs is a class known as “Seasonal Residential Service” which we call seasonal members. Seasonal members are those that are “Available to member-consumers of the Cooperative who use their homes or cottages only a part of each year or at intervals during the year” Generally speaking, second homes, cottages, camps, and other locations that are not classified as the member-consumers permanent residence fall in this category.

Do you have an auto-pay system?

We've made a lot of things pretty convenient for our members over the years. One of the most popular conveniences we offer is automatic bill payment. We'll work with you to coordinate an automatic payment through the account of your choice at your bank or credit union. Call the Alger Delta office for more information.

Do you have a tree removal service?

Sure we do! When trees grow up, they sometimes cause problems with overhead power lines. If you need trees trimmed on your property because of potential problems with power lines, please call your electric cooperative. We'll send our crew of professionals with the proper tools and training to get the job done safely. 

Are standby generators dangerous?

Standby generators are a great way of assuring electrical power to your home or business. If you have a backup generating system or are planning to install one, be sure it is properly installed for your own safety and the safety of your electric cooperative's linemen. If your system is not properly installed, it can be a source of EXTREME danger to maintenance personnel working on power lines leading to or from your location.

What can I do if I suspect someone of stealing electricity?

We appreciate being able to serve our members with reliable electricity. Unfortunately, in any group of people, there is a handful or less who will try anything to get something for nothing, including stealing electricity through meter tampering or other means. If you witness any activity that seems suspicious, please report it to us. Helping us prevent theft helps everyone save money.

What does AMR mean?

It stands for Automated Meter Reading. Get more accurate meter readings, time of use metering, voltage monitoring, and cut down on the need for re-reads through AMR. This service can be implemented through a variety of methods including telephone, cable, fiber optic lines, satellite, or even through your electric service.

What is electric distribution?

Most electric cooperatives across America are distribution utilities. They purchase power from electrical generation facilities and distribute it to cooperative member-users over their own lines and equipment. The convenient electricity you use daily could ultimately be generated hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

What is electric generation?

The process of converting mechanical energy to electricity is called generation. Of the approximately 3200 electric utilities throughout the US, only about 700 of them actually generate electricity. They in turn transport that electricity safely and reliably to your home or business.