North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation will take steps during August in reaction to rising fuel costs from its wholesale power provider TVA and increased consumption due to high temperatures.
While NGEMC has not raised rates in nearly 5 years despite the increasing costs of delivering energy, the Cooperative is working to help mitigate TVA’s fuel cost increases. TVA’s fuel cost is a line item on the bill and is set by TVA monthly. The charge is a pass through and goes to TVA to cover fluctuations in the cost of fuel for generation.
For many households, the month of August is when electricity usage peaks in the summer months due to high temperatures. This timing means the increased TVA Generation Fuel Charge rate will create higher than normal charges for members who may already be stretched to cover their energy bills.
“The weather is beyond everyone’s control, and TVA’s Fuel Cost Adjustment is out of NGEMC’s control,” said CEO, Kathryn West. “But we can provide the members additional time to pay their bill, and NGEMC will suspend disconnections and late payment fees through Labor Day.”
NGEMC will offer members the flexibility to spread out payments. Members may pay a portion of their high bill balance and distribute the remaining balance over multiple months, up to a six-month period. The member will receive their regular monthly statement with the installment amount added. Call any NGEMC office or visit www.ngemc.com/contactus to learn more about setting up an installment payment plan.
The cooperative also offers a levelized billing program, prepaid billing, and the option for members to select a bill due date that works best with their budget. Learn more about these options and others at www.ngemc.com/waytopay or by contacting any NGEMC office.
