Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my bill?
You can find the amount of your bill by accessing your account online or by calling our Customer Service Center, (800) 837-3374, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hours, you may call our automated bill inquiry line at 989-0202, or (800) 342-2519. Simply enter your account number, followed by a pound (#) sign, to hear your last payment amount and date, your current balance due and due date.
Your eight-digit account number is printed on every bill you receive from Baldwin EMC.
When is my bill due?
Your bill is due upon receipt and is late approximately three weeks after your billing date.
When will my bill draft from my bank account?
Approximately 16 days after the billing date of your bill.
I need to pay and don’t have my bill.
You may pay online at any time without your account number once you have registered. You will need your account number to register the first time. You may also pay at any of our offices or call our Customer Service Center to pay by credit or debit card. To pay without your bill or account number you will need the name and billing address on the account.
Why is my bill so high?
There are a number of factors that influence the total due on your power bill. Here are the first things to check:
- What was my kilowatt usage this time last year compared to this year? You can check last year’s usage by accessing your account online.
- Are the days of usage the same? Are there more days between readings than on your previous bills?
- Are there other charges beyond electric service on this bill? Have past due amounts been added to the total? Are there miscellaneous charges added to the bill? Any outdoor lighting or surge protection charges?
- Have any of the large power users in my home been running more than normal? For example, the air conditioner in hot weather, the heating system in cold weather, the water heater when you have extra dishes, laundry, baths and showers.
Second, the cost of power has risen. Over the past several years, Baldwin EMC’s power supplier has been paying more for fuel to generate its electricity due to global supply and demand and the changing economy. Baldwin EMC has also seen a substantial increase in what we pay for the supplies we depend on to deliver electricity to your home. Unfortunately, those costs have to be shared with customers because we are a not-for-profit cooperative.
Second, the cost of power has risen. Over the past several years, Baldwin EMC's power supplier has been paying more for fuel to generate its electricity due to global supply and demand and the changing economy. Baldwin EMC has also seen a substantial increase in what we pay for the supplies we depend on to deliver electricity to your home. Unfortunately, those costs have to be shared with customers because we are a not-for-profit cooperative.
The cost of generating electricity (Wholesale Cost of Power) rose steadily through most of 2009. The cost of getting that power to you (BEMC Cost of Operations) has risen very little over the past few years. It still remains a small and stable portion of your electric bill.
Fortunately, we predict a downturn in the Wholesale Cost of Power during 2010. This is most likely a short-term relief. However, legislation or government regulation to reduce carbon emissions will increase power costs in the long term. Congress is making serious decisions now that will affect these costs and our electric bills for years to come.
We encourage you to contact your elected leaders and express your concerns about the future of energy costs. Legislation is happening now that will further restrict the construction of new power plants due to environmental concerns. Much more investment in research and development of renewable technologies is needed to make those energy sources more cost-effective. Your legislators need to know what their constituents need and want: reliable and affordable electricity. Go to our Web site, www.ourenergytomorrow.com for more information.
If you still have questions about your bill, contact a customer service representative at (251) 989-6247 or (800) 837-3374.
Why am I being charged an additional deposit?
In March 2008, Baldwin EMC began to charge additional deposits to existing accounts that have been cutoff for non-payment in the last 12 months, bounced two checks in the last 12 months, or appeared on the cutoff list twice in the past 12 months. The Deposit Upgrade Policy, as it is known, prevents Baldwin EMC from having to raise the rates of members who maintain an acceptable payment history with the cooperative. For more information, please click here.
Can I pay my bill over the phone?
Yes, you can pay your bill over the phone with your credit or debit card. Call our customer service center between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your credit card and account number handy to speed the process.
Can I pay my bill online?
You may pay online by credit or debit card, or by electronic check (direct debit from your checking account). Click here to visit our online payment center. You will need your account number to register the first time you view your account.
Can I view my account online?
You may view your account online and up to twelve months account history by clicking here. You will need your account number to register the first time you view your account.
How do I sign up for paperless billing?
Login to your online account. Click the tab on the left that says "Stop/Start Print Bill." Click to remove the green check mark that says "Send me a Statement by Mail." Click the "Update" tab.
How do I get to your office?
Visit Office Locations for addresses and directions. If you need further assistance, call our customer service center at (251) 989-6247 or (800) 837-3374.
Where can I find my account number?
Your account number is an eight digit number and is printed on your bill. Look at the top of your bill in the center, underneath the Bill Date.
IMPORTANT: Please omit the DASH (-) when entering your account number.
Can I change my bill/due date?
Bill dates are determined by your meter location for efficiency in our meter reading operations. If the billing and due dates are inconvenient, you may be interested in these options:
- Sign up for automatic bank draft or credit card payment.
- Pre-pay your bill at any time. If you over-pay, you will have a credit on your account toward the next bill.
For more information, please contact our Customer Service Center.