Get to know your electric bill

Your monthly Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation bill is designed to be clear, informative, and easy to understand. This guide explains what each part of your bill means and how it can help you better manage your energy use.

Your bill includes charts and graphs that show how your energy use changes over time. One section compares your electricity use from last month, this month, and the same month last year. It also includes the average temperature for each period, since weather is one of the biggest factors that affects how much energy you use.

Another section breaks down your average daily electricity use and cost. It shows how many kilowatt-hours you use per day and how that usage translates into cost, making it easier to see how daily habits like thermostat settings or appliance use impact your bill.

Your bill also includes a bar graph showing your total energy use over the past 24 months. This helps you recognize seasonal patterns and track changes over time, especially if you have made energy-saving improvements in your home.

Under the charges section, you may notice a change in terminology. What was previously called the Customer Charge is now labeled the Base Charge. This fixed charge covers the cost of providing electric service to your home or business before any electricity is used. It helps pay for maintaining power lines, transformers, and meters, as well as meter reading, billing services, system maintenance, and customer support. The name Base Charge more clearly reflects that this fee represents the foundational cost of keeping your electric service available and reliable around the clock.

The Energy Charge is based on the amount of electricity you use during the month. It is measured in kilowatt-hours, and the more energy you use, the higher this charge will be.

Your bill may also include a TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment. This adjustment reflects changes in the cost of fuels used to generate electricity, such as natural gas, coal, or renewable energy sources. Because fuel costs fluctuate, the adjustment ensures your bill reflects current power production costs. Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation does not profit from this charge; it is passed through directly from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

For more help understanding your bill, check out our Interactive Bill Explanation or give us a call at (800) 987-2362.