Price of Energy: Cherryville Grapples With Electrical Expenses.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – As the weather cools down, heaters turn on. The debate of whether to stay warm or save money on an electric bill is an all too common worry for some Cherryville residents.

Rashad Williams is a Cherryville local who has expressed concern regarding his electrical bill. He mitigates electrical usage in his home by being conscious about turning off lights, keeping the air conditioning off, and unplugging any unnecessary electrical items.

However, his electrical bill is still considerably high. Williams’ bill from October 2023 was $244, plus an additional $15 late fee.

“It’s high in the summer, high in the winter. And I think that’s a big concern when you have an energy-efficient home.” said Williams.

Williams has lived in Cherryville for eight years. He originally lived in an older – not energy-efficient, home. His electric bill at that time was quite high.

Upon moving, his bill decreased significantly at first, but it has crept back up in price over the years.

“From the time that I moved here, it has decreased at one time, but it shot back up at another time,” Williams said, “This time now, I don’t even have the air on. And last month we didn’t have the air on either.”

He is frustrated that he does everything in his power to keep the bill low, but every month is another expensive electrical bill.

Most Cherryville residents use the City’s electricity, which comes from the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1), a wholesale power supplier serving 19 cities and towns in western and piedmont North Carolina.

NCMPA1 is a part of Electricities, a membership organization that provides power to various municipalities. Duke Energy and the Rutherford Electric Agency (REA) also service a handful of Cherryville residents.

Despite the concerns and high bills of many residents on the City electricity, Cherryville’s electrical rate is lower than REA’s. According to the City’s website: “Our facility charge is only $13.05 compared to their charge of $24.00, and our per kilowatt-hour rate is lower: 10.78 cents versus 10.87 cents.”

Electrical providers often include a facility charge to cover non-usage-related transactions, such as maintaining customers’ records.

Although Cherryville’s rates are lower than REA, the number represented on the website is the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) if a resident uses under 500 kWh. If they go over, they will pay around 10.66 cents per kWh. If a resident uses over 1000 kWh, they will pay around 10.18 cents per kWh.

Compared to other Electricities municipalities in the region, Cherryville is the third highest next to Gastonia and Lincolnton. It averages 11.64 per kWh.

Throughout the years, the City of Cherryville has attempted to keep electrical rates low for its residents. The City website states that the electrical rates were recently reduced by 3%.

However, residents still struggle. Williams confided that many of his neighbors have high bills as well.

“I have spoken to a lot of citizens that have a lot of concerns, but they’re afraid to speak out.” said Williams.

Some citizens do not feel heard because despite several complaints being raised, they do not see the rates declining. However, the City is not inherently at fault in this regard.

There are several factors to consider relating to high electrical costs. Older homes tend to have higher bills as they are not built for modern energy efficiency.

Additionally, the settings of electric appliances affect the kilowatt-hour usage, therefore, increasing the bill. For example, using the air conditioning will affect the price of an electric bill.

It is important to regularly service appliances to ensure they are running properly. Electric meters can also malfunction, driving up costs despite low usage.

In an email, City Manager Brian Dalton addressed how the City can assist residents who are concerned about their rates.

“We offer an energy audit at no charge to the citizens if they request it.” said Dalton in the email.

The City of Cherryville has started broadcasting approximate electrical rates per week on its website. The information can be found on the home page beside where the weather is posted. As of the publication of this article, this week’s forecasted average electric rate is $56.

Williams is frustrated because the City only offers four extensions within a 12-month period. He notes that a $25 extension fee is added. He mentioned the $25 fee doesn’t appear on his bill, expressing confusion about the additional charge when the bill is going to be paid regardless.

“They can give out more extensions … Instead of four, I know it’s 12 months in a year, so let’s say maybe six,” said Williams.

He made it clear that he has no issue paying the allotted bill; he only wants the City to be more accommodating towards residents who struggle with their payments. Adjusting the extensions, and removing the $25 extension fee are alternative ways to assist residents, according to Williams.

“[The price of] food has escalated tremendously. The gas has escalated tremendously. Not only that, the rent has escalated tremendously.” said Williams.

While Cherryville’s electric costs are competitive, residents continue to face financial challenges. While the City’s efforts to control costs are commendable, there’s a growing call for more compassionate assistance to alleviate the ongoing financial burden of the times.

---

For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork.

For more WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com

Contact WNN at [email protected]

Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.