General FAQ's

• Why is a service charge included on my bill?
  The service charge on your bill covers taxes, depreciation and insurance on the equipment in the field, plus the maintenance of our lines and substations that feed your service. Even though you may not be using any electricity, these costs are still incurred.



• Why does my bill fluctuate from month to month?
  As a monthly billed member, you are responsible to read your own meter each month. Your bills are calculated based on the readings you turn in. If you read your meter on a different day each month your bill can fluctuate up or down depending on the number of days between your meter readings.



• Why was I billed for more than my actual usage on my first bill?
  New accounts are automatically billed for 500 kWh per month unless an actual meter reading is turned in. This is a monthly average used to avoid large "catch up" bills if a member is unfamiliar with reading their meter.



• What information do I need to transfer an account into or out of my name?
  In order to transfer an electric or gas meter into a new party's name, we need a meter number and meter reading. The electric meter number is a 4 or 5 digit number that appears on the face of the meter. The gas meter number is a 6 or 7 digit number that appears on a silver plate on the front of the meter body. Both readings look like the odometer on a car.



• How can I change my account from an annual billing to a monthly billing?
  To qualify for the monthly billing cycle, your service must be where you reside permanently. A copy of your Homestead Exemption will be required as proof of permanent residency along with either your voter's registration card or valid Michigan driver's license. Members must provide monthly meter readings and will receive a bill each month.



• Can I pay ahead on my annual account?
  You can pay on your annual account at any time during the year. The payments will stay on your account until our annual reading, at which point they will be applied to your bill. Please include your account number and telephone number with any payments you send.



• What information do I need to establish new electric service?
  To start your application for new electric service we will need the nearest pole number to your property and a legal property description. The pole number is a series (2 or 3 rows) of silver letters and numbers stapled to our pole at eye level. If the pole nearest your location does not have a pole number, use the closest pole number you can find. The pole number tells us exactly where you are on our system.

  We will do our best to accommodate new service applications using a service address and the name of the nearest neighbor who has power. However, it may not be possible to get all the needed information without a pole number.




• How long will it take to establish new electric service?
  From the time we start your application it can take between 4 to 6 weeks to establish new service.



• Why does it take so long to establish new service?
  There are many variables connected to a new service order. Conditions like distance from our last pole to where your meter will be, obtaining right-of-way, tree trimming, if fees are paid in a timely manner, county electrical inspection and the time of year you are applying for service can affect the time frame of your order.



• What information do I need to establish new natural gas service?
  To start your application for new natural gas service we will need the service address of the location we will be providing service to, the nearest cross street to the location, directions and distance from the nearest cross street to the location, your town, range and section (this info will be on your property description)and the county and township you are in.

Meter Reading FAQ's

• How do I read my gas or electric meter?
  Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is a member read system. This means we rely on our members to provide monthly meter readings.
  
  You can learn how to read your gas or electric meter by using the following links: Electric Meter Gas Meter



• How do I turn in my meter reading each month?
  On the portion of your bill you return with your payment each month there is a place to enter the reading and the date the reading was taken.

  You can also call our office at 800-423-6634, during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Our automated system will ask you to select "2" to enter a meter reading. After listening to the meter reading instructions you will hear a beep. Simply state your account number, meter reading, date the meter was read and a phone number where you can be reached if we have questions.

  Or, you can enter a meter reading on our website, www.pieg.com, under the heading "submit meter reading."




• When should I read my meter each month?
  We suggest that you read your meter on the day you receive your bill each month. This will keep it on a consistent 30 day cycle and also serve as a reminder that it is time to take your meter reading.

PSCR FAQ's

• What is a PSCR Charge?
  Each month there is a line item on every Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op electric billing labeled "PSCR Adj". The PSCR or Power Supply Cost Recovery charge is the difference between the estimated cost of energy PIE&G purchases and what we actually pay to out power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative.



• Why isn't the PSCR just part of the Kilowatt hour cost?
  PIE&G is governed by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Since the cost to purchase power from our supplier fluctuates from month to month, the MPSC allows PIE&G to make minor rate adjustments through the PSCR adjustment.



• Is the PSCR adjustment always a charge?
  No. Sometimes the PSCR adjustment is actually a credit. Our kWh rates are based on an estimated price we believe we will have to pay to purchase energy. If the estimate is high, the PSCR will show as a negative dollar figure or credit on your billing. If the estimate is low, the PSCR will show as a charge on your billing.



• What causes the cost of energy to fluctuate?
  Several factors can cause an increase in energy costs. The increased cost this year was caused by the increase in natural gas costs as well as the increased electric demand associated with warmer summer temperatures.



• Why does the price of natural gas affect the price of electricity?
  Most peaking electricity is produced by natural gas fired generators. Therefore, when the price of natural gas increases, it costs more to operate those plants.