Why It’s on Your Bill and What It Covers
At Otsego Electric Cooperative, we believe in being open about what you’re paying for and why. One line on your bill that sometimes raises questions is the Customer Charge.
What Is the Customer Charge?
The Customer Charge is a fixed monthly fee on your electric bill. It doesn’t change based on how much electricity you use—it’s the same every month for all members in your service class.
Why Do We Have It?
Even if you don’t use a single kilowatt-hour, there are costs to keep your home or business connected to the grid and ready to deliver power at a moment’s notice. The customer charge helps cover those fixed costs, so everyone shares equally in keeping the system available.
What Does It Cover?
The customer charge helps pay for:
• Meter installation and maintenance – Ensuring your electric meter stays accurate and reliable.
• Service line upkeep – Maintaining the wires, poles, and transformers that connect you to the grid.
• Employee wages & benefits – Fair pay for the skilled linemen, service crews, and office staff who keep your electricity flowing and your questions answered.
• System readiness – Keeping the infrastructure energized and ready 24/7, even during low usage months.
• Regulatory compliance & safety – Meeting safety standards and training our crews.
Why a Fixed Fee?
Many of these costs don’t depend on your energy use—they’re the same whether you use 10 kWh or 1,000 kWh. A fixed customer charge ensures every member pays a fair share toward these essential services.
Our Commitment
We’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. The customer charge is one way we make sure our cooperative stays strong and ready to serve you in every season.
Understanding Your Customer Charge
