About My Bill
We work hard to make sure our members get the most benefit out of being part of the Mid-Carolina family. Making sure you understand your electric service and know how to save money each month is a big part of what we do. That’s why we want to make certain you understand all the components of your electric bill.
Below is an interactive version of your monthly bill. Simply hover over the orange numbers for an explanation of each charge. If you have questions, we’re here to answer them. Just call us at (803) 749-6400.
For the first time in recent years, Mid-Carolina is implementing a rate adjustment, effective January 2025. Learn why and how it will impact you here.
1. Account Charge
MCEC's per day operating cost to make power available to our members, multiplied by the days in the billing period.
2. Energy Charge
The amount of energy, measured in kilowatt-hours, used during the billing period multiplied by the energy rate plus the Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF). The kilowatt-hours used are registered by your meter.
3. On-Peak/Demand Charge
The SINGLE highest hour of on-peak electric use in the billing period multiplied by the appropriate energy rate. The residential on-peak charge is $12 per kW for that single hour plus the Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF). On-peak hours are as follows:
Winter On-Peak hours: 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. November 1 through March 31
Summer On-Peak hours: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. April 1 through October 31
To save money, keep the three biggest energy-using appliances in your home (water heater, HVAC and dryer) from running in the same hour during On-peak times.
4. On-Peak Hour
The exact time of the highest SINGLE hour of electricity use during the billing period’s on-peak hours.
5. Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF)
MAF is a monthly forecast or projection of expenses and the revenue needed to cover those costs. We then adjust our rates to increase or decrease as we track expenses over time. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, we only charge our members enough to operate from month to month.
6. Subdivision Light Charge
Subdivision lighting is installed during the initial construction of each subdivision. The charge recovers the energy used by the lights and covers their ongoing operation and maintenance. This allows lighting cost to be shared by all homeowners in the subdivision based on a ratio of one light per four lots or one light per six lots depending upon neighborhood design.
7. Franchise Fee
For members who live within the city limits, a franchise fee is charged by the local municipality for the cooperative’s access to public right of way. These fees are collected monthly by Mid-Carolina and then distributed back to the municipality.
8. Operation Round Up®
Voluntary contributions from members who chose to round up their bill amount to the next highest dollar to help those in our community facing catastrophic situations get back on their feet.
9. Misc Credit
A credit to your account.
10. Multiplier
Some meters use a multiplier to determine actual, total energy usage because the power used can exceed what a standard meter can read. The difference between present and previous readings on the bill is multiplied by the multiplier to determine actual, total usage. A typical residential meter has a multiplier of one.
11. Past Due/Final Notice
Indicates unpaid, late charges.
Note: We use the most current data from your account to calculate your payment amount and generate your bill. If you made a payment between our bill date and the day you receive your bill, it will not be reflected on the bill and you will see an amount that still indicates past due.
If FINAL NOTICE is printed anywhere on your bill, then your power is in danger of cut-off if not paid by the due date. Cut-off is also dependent upon your Mid-Carolina credit rating and payment history. If you have questions or concerns regarding your bill, please contact Member Services at 803-749-6400.
12. MCEC Messages
Important messages from Mid-Carolina.
1
Account Charge
MCEC's per day operating cost to make power available to our members, multiplied by the days in the billing period.
2
Energy Charge
The amount of energy, measured in kilowatt-hours, used during the billing period multiplied by the energy rate plus the Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF). The kilowatt-hours used are registered by your meter.
3
On-Peak/Demand Charge
The SINGLE highest hour of on-peak electric use in the billing period multiplied by the appropriate energy rate. The residential on-peak charge is $12 per kW for that single hour plus the Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF). On-peak hours are as follows:
Winter On-Peak hours: 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. November 1 through March 31
Summer On-Peak hours: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. April 1 through October 31
To save money, keep the three biggest energy-using appliances in your home (water heater, HVAC and dryer) from running in the same hour during On-peak times.
4
On-Peak Hour
The exact time of the highest SINGLE hour of electricity use during the billing period’s on-peak hours.
5
Monthly Adjustment Factor (MAF)
MAF is a monthly forecast or projection of expenses and the revenue needed to cover those costs. We then adjust our rates to increase or decrease as we track expenses over time. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, we only charge our members enough to operate from month to month.
6
Subdivision Light Charge
Subdivision lighting is installed during the initial construction of each subdivision. The charge recovers the energy used by the lights and covers their ongoing operation and maintenance. This allows lighting cost to be shared by all homeowners in the subdivision based on a ratio of one light per four lots or one light per six lots depending upon neighborhood design.
7
Franchise Fee
For members who live within the city limits, a franchise fee is charged by the local municipality for the cooperative’s access to public right of way. These fees are collected monthly by Mid-Carolina and then distributed back to the municipality.
8
Operation Round Up®
Voluntary contributions from members who chose to round up their bill amount to the next highest dollar to help those in our community facing catastrophic situations get back on their feet.
9
Misc Credit
A credit to your account.
10
Multiplier
Some meters use a multiplier to determine actual, total energy usage because the power used can exceed what a standard meter can read. The difference between present and previous readings on the bill is multiplied by the multiplier to determine actual, total usage. A typical residential meter has a multiplier of one.
11
Past Due/Final Notice
Indicates unpaid, late charges.
Note: We use the most current data from your account to calculate your payment amount and generate your bill. If you made a payment between our bill date and the day you receive your bill, it will not be reflected on the bill and you will see an amount that still indicates past due.
If FINAL NOTICE is printed anywhere on your bill, then your power is in danger of cut-off if not paid by the due date. Cut-off is also dependent upon your Mid-Carolina credit rating and payment history. If you have questions or concerns regarding your bill, please contact Member Services at 803-749-6400.
12
MCEC Messages
Important messages from Mid-Carolina.
Are you a Pay As You Go member looking for more detail about how your daily charges are calculated? Learn more here.
