Molly Ayala
A reconnection fee is a charge incurred by customers when their electricity supply is cut off and they need to have it restored. This can occur when a bill is not paid by the due date, and the amount charged varies depending on the electricity provider and the customer's contract type. For example, EPB Energy charges a $35 reconnection fee, while Georgia Power requires a minimum positive balance of $5 for reconnection. In some cases, additional fees may be charged for processing returned payments or for resetting meters outside of normal working hours.
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What You'll Learn
Reconnection fees vary by location and contract type
Reconnection fees for electricity vary depending on the location and the contract type. For example, in Georgia, the PrePay electric service program allows customers to have greater control over their account management. This program enables customers to avoid paying security deposits and reconnection fees. However, if the account balance falls below zero, the service may be disconnected, and a minimum positive balance of $5 is required for reconnection.
In contrast, other electricity providers may charge a higher reconnection fee. For instance, a distributor may charge a fee of $50 for reconnecting the service, with an additional $40 bad check fee if the disconnection was due to a returned check. In some cases, the reconnection fee can be as high as $100 or more, especially if resetting meters involves overtime work or after-hours reconnection.
The type of contract can also influence the reconnection fee. For instance, some providers may offer a landlord agreement to keep the power on between tenants, protecting the landlord from disconnect and reconnect fees. Additionally, welfare recipients may qualify for assistance in paying utility bills and should contact their caseworker for more information.
It is important to note that fees and charges can change over time. Customers should refer to their specific electricity provider's website or contact their customer service team for the most up-to-date information regarding reconnection fees.
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Non-payment can lead to disconnection
For example, EPB customers with non-payment disconnections are required to pay all past-due balances, reconnection fees, and security deposits. The reconnection fee is $35, and services can typically be restored within minutes after payment. Similarly, Georgia Power's PrePay program offers immediate disconnection to customers with account balances that reach or fall below zero, with reconnection occurring within minutes to hours of payment.
In some cases, additional charges may apply, such as a $40 bad check fee for returned payments. Customers with multiple returned payments in a given period may be designated as "cash only" accounts, requiring future payments to be made through specific methods. Welfare recipients may qualify for assistance in paying utility bills and should contact their caseworkers for more information.
It is important to note that electricity providers may have different policies and procedures regarding non-payment and reconnection fees. Customers should refer to their specific provider's guidelines to understand the potential financial implications of non-payment and the process for restoring service.
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Returned or bounced cheques incur additional fees
Reconnection fees for electricity vary depending on the electricity provider and the state in which the customer resides. These fees are charged when a customer's electricity supply has been disconnected due to non-payment of bills or insufficient funds. Returned or bounced cheques incur additional fees and may result in the disconnection of services.
For example, EPB Energy charges a $35 reconnection fee if power is disconnected due to non-payment. They also charge a $30 fee for processing returned payments, and require repayment in cash, cashier's check, or money order. Similarly, Georgia Power's PrePay program deducts the original payment amount from the customer's account balance if a payment is returned due to insufficient funds, along with a $30 returned items fee.
Other electricity providers may charge higher reconnection fees, such as the $50 charge assessed by one distributor for reconnection after disconnection due to non-payment. In addition, a $40 bad check fee is assessed if the disconnection was caused by a returned check. If the customer presents a bad check to prevent disconnection for non-payment, the meter may be disconnected as soon as possible after the check bounces.
In some cases, customers may be required to pay all past-due balances, any reconnection fees, and security deposits to restore their electricity service. Returned or bounced cheques can therefore lead to significant additional fees and potential disconnection of services. It is important for customers to be aware of the fees associated with returned payments to avoid unexpected costs and maintain their electricity supply.
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Pre-Pay accounts can avoid reconnection fees
Pre-Pay accounts can be a great way to avoid electricity reconnection fees. These accounts offer a "pay-as-you-go" system, where you start with a credit balance, and the cost of your energy usage is deducted daily. This means that as long as you maintain a positive balance, your service will not be interrupted.
With Pre-Pay accounts, you can often avoid paying security deposits and reconnection fees. For example, Dominion Energy's PrePay program in South Carolina allows customers to start their electric service without paying a deposit. Similarly, the Georgia Power Company's PrePay electric service program offers customers the ability to avoid security deposits and reconnection fees.
In some cases, utility companies may offer temporary suspensions of disconnections due to weather conditions or other circumstances. For instance, Entergy Arkansas may delay disconnections due to extreme temperatures. However, it's important to note that your account will continue to accrue charges during this time, and you will be required to pay these charges.
While Pre-Pay accounts can help you avoid reconnection fees, it's important to monitor your balance to prevent disconnection. Most utility companies will send notifications when your balance falls below a certain threshold, and some even allow you to check your balance online or through text messages. If your balance does reach zero or below, you will need to make a payment to restore your service. The minimum payment required for reconnection varies by provider, but it is generally a small amount, such as $5 or $25.
By choosing a Pre-Pay account, you can take control of your electricity usage and payments while avoiding the hassle and expense of reconnection fees.
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Assistance is available for low-income households
Reconnection fees for electricity vary depending on the reason for disconnection and the energy provider. If service is disconnected due to non-payment, customers are usually required to pay a reconnection fee, which can range from $35 to $100, in addition to any past-due balances and security deposits.
The high cost of electricity and reconnection fees can be a burden for low-income households. However, assistance is available to help with these costs and prevent disconnection. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income families with their energy bills. LIHEAP provides assistance with heating and cooling costs, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, and each state or territory has its own requirements. Interested individuals can answer a few questions to learn about their eligibility, find their local LIHEAP office, and apply.
Another program that can help with energy costs is the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). WAP assists with home improvements that increase energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. Eligibility for WAP is also income-based, and individuals who receive benefits through federal assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may qualify.
Additionally, welfare recipients may qualify for assistance in paying their utility bills and should contact their caseworker for more information. Some energy providers also offer agreements to protect rental property owners from disconnect and reconnect fees, ensuring a continuous power supply between tenants. These agreements can be beneficial for low-income households by reducing the risk of unexpected costs.
By utilizing these assistance programs and exploring available options, low-income households can receive support in managing their electricity bills and reconnection fees, ensuring access to essential energy services.
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Frequently asked questions
A reconnection fee for electricity is a charge for restoring power after it has been disconnected due to non-payment or other reasons.
The cost of reconnecting electricity varies depending on the company and location. For example, EPB charges $35 for reconnecting power, while Georgia Power requires a minimum positive balance of $5 on PrePay accounts for reconnection. Other companies may charge higher fees, such as $50 or $100, and additional fees for overtime work or bad checks.
Yes, some companies offer programs or agreements that can help avoid reconnection fees. For instance, Georgia Power's PrePay program allows customers to manage their accounts and avoid reconnection fees, but service disconnection occurs if the account balance falls below zero. Similarly, EPB offers a landlord agreement to keep power on between tenants, protecting rental property owners from reconnect fees. Additionally, welfare recipients may qualify for assistance in paying utility bills and should contact their caseworkers for more information.
