How to Read Your Bill

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Billing Period
This is the range of dates between meter readings. Normally, we try to schedule reads every 30 or 31 days, but sometimes due to holidays, weekends, or inclement weather, the billing period could be as short as 25 days or as long as 35 days. A larger number of days on a read will also result in a higher bill, but the following month will be shorter, averaging out to a normal bill.

Account Number
This 10 digit number is unique to your account. When calling for information on your account, have this number available to assist the Customer Service Representative.

Meter Number
This number is stamped on the face of your electric and water meter. If you live in multi-family housing, you can identify your meter by looking for this meter number.

Previous Read, Current Read
These two values are compared to calculate your net consumption for the billing period. Each month, our meter reader records the meter reading, just like you would record the odometer reading on your car before taking a trip. These dials are never reset.

Multiplier
Some meters have a multiplier. Most commercial and industrial accounts will have a multiplier value based on the metering arrangement. Most residential accounts where the electric meter is in the basement, and a remote register is located outside, will have a multiplier of 10.

Rate Schedules
Applicable rate schedules are furnished each calendar year with your bill or upon request. You can also view rate schedules in PDF format (64k) by clicking here.

PCAC -Power Cost Adjustment Clause
The adjustment reflects the increase and/or decrease of the current months cost of coal and or purchased power from the amount included in the energy charge.

CCF
This is the measure of your water use. One CCF equals 100 cubic feet of water. One cubic foot of water is equal to about 7.5 gallons.

KWH
Kilowatt-hours is the measurement of electric use. One 100 watt light bulb burning for ten (10) hours will consume one kwh.

Public Fire Protection
This user fee is based on the water service size, and covers the cost of water mains and hydrants used for public fire protection in the City. Rate schedules can be viewed in PDF format by clicking here.

Heating Degree Days, Cooling Degree Days
This a measurement of relative weather trends, comparing last year's billing period to this year's billing period. Heating degree days reflect the sum of the average daily temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the billing period. Cooling degree days is the sum of the average daily temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the billing period.

Public Benefits
This is the fee each customer contributes toward energy efficiency, energy assistance, and weatherization programs offered in the community. To view additional information on MPU's Public Benefits rates and program, click here.

Late Payment Charge
This is a 1% charge added to the unpaid balance if the bill is not paid within 20 days

Sales Tax
A 5% sales tax charge is added to electric charges only. Residential accounts are exempt from sales tax during the winter months of November through April.

MPU Billing Rules
You can view the rules in PDF format by clicking here.