Understanding fees on your electric bill

What each fee or charge means and why it may appear on your account

You may see fees or charges on your monthly electric bill in addition to your energy costs. As a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative, MTE works to keep electric rates as low as possible. Some charges are only applied when specific services are requested or when certain account situations occur. This page explains the fees you may see on your bill and what they are used for.

Why fees may appear on your bill

To keep rates low for all members, MTE passes along certain costs only when those expenses occur. Some fees cover account setup, service requests, testing, or billing-related situations. Other charges may apply when service is disconnected for nonpayment or when a payment is returned.

Account setup and connection fees

Initial Member Fee

Everyone receiving electricity from MTE is a member and pays a $5 fee when setting up an account. This membership fee has not changed since MTE was created as a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative in 1936.

Existing Location Connect Fee

This fee covers the cost of setting up service at a structure that previously had an MTE meter.

New Construction Connect Fee

This fee covers the cost of setting up service for a structure that has not previously had an MTE meter.

Owner Allocation Connect Fee

This fee covers the cost of setting up service at a structure that previously had an MTE meter and is part of the Owner Allocation program.

Installation and equipment fees

Outdoor Light Installation Fee

This fee covers the cost of installing a new outdoor yard light. Depending on the location of the light, other costs may be required to provide service. Please get in touch with us to learn more about installing an outdoor yard light on your property.
You can learn more about our lighting options at mte.com/Lighting.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Opt-Out Fee

This charge covers the cost of maintaining a digital meter rather than an advanced one. If you have questions about the AMI opt-out process or want to replace your digital meter, please get in touch with us.
You can learn more about how AMI is improving reliability and our members’ experience at mte.com/Advanced-Metering-Infrastructure.

Meter Test Fee

This charge covers the expense of testing your meter for accuracy using a third-party facility. If you feel your meter is not accurately calculating energy consumption, please reach out to us. We can conduct a field test at no cost to you, or we can send the meter to a third-party facility for testing. Using a third-party facility will incur a $50 charge.

Monthly charges and deposits

Basic Service Charge

This charge covers the fixed, recurring monthly cost of providing electric service to a meter. Additional information about the basic service charge can be found on MTE.com/Rates.

Residential Security Deposit

A deposit may be required before service is connected, depending on your credit. Members may be required to provide a deposit of $150 or $300, while others will have no deposit. If you are required to have a deposit and want to avoid it, please ask about the Prepay option. More information is available at mte.com/BillingOptions.

Billing and payment fees

Residential / Commercial Late Charge

Payments received after the due date are charged a 5% penalty on the bill up to the first $250 owed. An additional 1% penalty is charged on any amount exceeding $250. If you are unable to pay before your due date, options may be available to help avoid a late charge. Please get in touch with us to learn more.

Returned Payment Fee

This charge covers the cost of handling a returned payment.

Service interruption and account action fees

Disconnect/Reconnect Fees

After several attempts to reach members who have not paid their bill or made payment arrangements, electric service may be stopped. These fees cover the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting a meter after it was disconnected due to an unpaid bill. If you feel you are unable to pay before your meter is disconnected, please reach out. Options may be available to help avoid the disconnection of your service.
Check out mte.com/MemberAssistance to find options to prevent potential disconnection.

Trip Fee

This fee is charged if MTE visits a location to give notice before a potential disconnection due to non-payment.

After-Hours Meter Connect Fee

This fee is charged if a request is made to manually reconnect a disconnection for non-payment after normal business hours.

Safety and compliance

Meter Tampering Fee

Tampering with or changing a meter is unsafe and could harm you or your property. Meter tampering is often used to steal electricity from MTE. This is unlawful and subject to a minimum fine of $200. Additional charges may apply based on expenses related to repairing or replacing your meter. If you feel your meter has been subjected to tampering, with or without your permission, please contact us immediately.

Helpful links

• mte.com/Rates
• mte.com/Billing
• mte.com/Contact
• mte.com/Lighting
• mte.com/Advanced-Metering-Infrastructure