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BILLING
QUESTIONS
Q: Will I receive a
rate reduction?
A: Under the new legislation, there are no state
mandated rate reductions. However, we encourage you to examine all
your options. Many variables will determine your opportunity to
achieve real savings. The full benefits of competition may only be
realized over the next several years. There is no guarantee that
your energy bill will go down.
Q: Will my bill look different with energy choice?
A: No.
Your NOVEC bill currently is "unbundled."
Q: Will I be able to have separate billing from my
Competitive Service Provider and NOVEC?
A: At this time,
you will receive one bill from NOVEC that itemizes the services of
both the Competitive Service Provider and NOVEC.
Q: Whom do I call with a billing question?
A: A toll-free number to call with
billing questions will be clearly marked on your billing statement.
You will continue to get a bill from NOVEC that will include both
NOVECs distribution service charges and your supplier's charges for
electricity supply service.
Q: How are billing disputes resolved?
A: Billing disputes should be
directed to the company that charged you the disputed amount.
Q: What portion of the bill am I shopping for?
A: The portion of your bill for
which you can shop will be the electricity supply service.
Q: What happens if I can not pay my full bill?
A: Please contact NOVEC and your CSP if you are unable
to pay your bill in full to discuss payment arrangements. NOVEC
shall apply a customer’s partial payment of a consolidated bill as
designated by the customer, or, in the absence of a customer’s
designation, to charges in the following order: (1) to regulated
service arrearages owed to NOVEC (2) to competitive energy service
arrearages owed the competitive service provider, (3) to regulated
service current charges of NOVEC (4) to competitive energy service
current charges of the competitive service provider (5) to other
charges. Collections of state and local consumption taxes and local
utility taxes shall be remitted as required by law.
Q: Will there be any new charges if I stay with NOVEC?
A: No. You will be billed at
the same rate that you are being billed today.
Q: Will there be any new charges if I choose a
Competitive Service Provider?
A: Yes. If you choose a CSP,
then you will be paying the CSP for Energy Supply charges and NOVEC
for Distribution charges. In addition, NOVEC is allowed (by the
General Assembly and the State Corporation Commission) to charge a
competitive transition charge or “wires charge” to help recover the
costs associated with deregulation. Since NOVEC built it’s
distribution to serve all customers within our service territory,
and now some may choose to receive their electricity from another
supplier, NOVEC is allowed to recapture some of that cost so that
our other members do not bear the burden of such facilities.
Q: What is consumption tax?
A: A competitive energy supply market
in Virginia has required a change in the way utility services are
taxed. Since January 1, 2001, a new line item has been added to
energy bills identified as the state consumption tax. There also may
be a local consumption tax listed depending on where you live. Even
though this is a new item on your bill, it is not an additional tax.
This is simply a new method of collecting state and local taxes on
utility service. While the method for calculating utility taxes has
changed, the amount of tax that most consumers pay each month on
their energy bills should remain approximately the
same.
PARTICIPATION
QUESTIONS
Q: If I sign up with a new
Competitive Service Provider, when will the switch to that company happen?
A: The timing will
depend on your next scheduled meter reading date. If you enroll more
than 15 days prior to your next scheduled meter reading date, then
your switch will become active on that date. If you enroll less
than 15 days prior to your next scheduled meter reading date, then
you will switch at the following meter reading date.
Q: Do I have a right to cancel?
A: Yes. You may cancel without any
penalties within 10 days of the date your current utility sends
you a notice if your intent to change your Competitive Service
Provider.
Q: What happens if my energy provider leaves the residential market?
A: The contract between
you and the Competitive Service Provider allows for 60 days notice
if the supplier is ending service. Your electricity will not be cut
off. You simply return to NOVEC who has continued to deliver
electricity to your home or business. It will now become your
supplier of energy as it did before. This is called default service
Q: If I do not choose a new electric provider, who will supply my energy?
A: NOVEC will continue to
provide you with energy at currently authorized rate levels.
Q: I have switched to a new provider some time ago and now I just moved into a new area. Will I be able
to keep the same provider?
A: If the provider services your new
area then you will be able to keep the same provider. You will want
to check with your provider to see if they are licensed to provide
service at your new address and are registered with the local
distribution company.
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