Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Most information published by NORA Co-op refers to members. What persons or organizations are being referred to and what are the benefits and obligations of "membership"?
A: NORA intentions are that its members/owners and otherconsumers receive timely information often. Most of the consumers receiving electricity are members. NORA is a not-for-profit organization formed to provide services to its members at the lowest rates commensurate with financially approved principles. Rights and obligations of a member are detailed in the Bylaws.
Q: How is NORA Electric Cooperative different from investor owned utilities?
A: As mentioned above, NORA is a not-for-profit cooperative organization which means that all margins (profits) accrue to the benefit of the members/owners served, not stockholders. Additionally, NORA's administrative and managerial control is determined by a Board of Trustees; the members geographically elect Trustees from their own, to determine the methods of operations. All Trustees are expected to support the Cooperative as a whole.
Q: I sometimes receive a check from NORA Electric Cooperative entitled "Capital Credit Refund". What does this check represent, how is the amount determined and may I expect to receive additional checks in the future?
A: A "Capital Credit Refund" is an action taken by the Board of Trustees to retire patronage capital that was allocated to consumers since the beginning of the Cooperative. The Trustees determine annually how much can be retired, and for what years. If at the end of a year, there are more revenues than expenses, the additional revenue is allocated to NORA's patrons (consumers) on a patronage basis. These allocations are retained until NORA is financially able to retire them in part or in whole. Financially, NORA has been able to do this for the last ten years, it is the Trustees' intentions to continue to retire Capital Credits.
Q: What causes my lights to blink?
A: Most temporary power interruptions are caused by equipment installed to detect faults on the electric lines. The equipment will de-energize the line and allow the condition to try to correct itself and then re-energize the line. This action results in a momentary interruption. Trees or animals, such as squirrels, contacting lines often cause these conditions. Larger animals, such as cattle, may rub on guy wires and cause the lines to slap together. sometimes, small tornado-like winds can pick up debris and toss it into the power lines causing blinks or outages.
NORA uses several methods in its maintenance program to improve power quality. NORA crews regularly patrol lines in search of items that adversely effect the lines. The crews trim trees and brush to reduce the probability of momentary outages caused by tree contact with lines, replace broken or cracked insulators, and repair other items that could cause outages or blinks. If you are experiencing momentary interruptions, please contact NORA so the cause of the interruptions can be investigated. The problem may be on either NORA's system or the customer's system. Together we can look for the solution.
Q: Can I still pay my bill if I forget to bring it in?
A: Yes, as long as you can provide the name on the account, we will be more than happy to look up your bill.
Q: I already paid my bill, why did I get a delinquent notice?
A: You received a delinquent notice because your payment was not received before 4:30 PM on the due date.
Q: How can I lower my electric bill?
A: There are several ways you can lower your electric bill. Ask about our Time-Of-Use programs and rate. The TOU program allows you to use more electricity at a lower cost per kWh. NORA also offers programs to help reduce energy waste.
Q: When are the board meetings?
A: Board meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m.
Q: What is a monthly system charge?
A: The system charge covers a portion of the customer metering and billing expenses and a portion of the operation and maintenance expenses of the consumer's service equipment.
Q: Why do you put the contact on the door when I live out of town?
A: Contacts (your last notification before disconnection) have to be delivered to the point of service as per PRC regulations.
Q: Do you think my meter is running fast?
A: No, most meters are mechanical devices and slow down with age and use. Historical tests indicate most meters actually run slow. Billing adjustments are made when the meter is found to be plus or minus 2% out of calibration. The consumer may be charged for a special meter test if the consumer requests the test and the meter is found to be within the limits set by the PRC.
Q: Why is my bill so high?
A: There are many reasons your electric bill may appear high and all should be investigated. A few reasons are (1) the number of and efficiency of your appliances, (2) the length of time you use the appliance (the longer you run an electric appliance the more electricity it uses), and (3) the days between meter readings.
Q: Why do I have to pay a deposit/connect fee?
A: The connect fee is necessary. When you apply for a new account, there are several steps staff must go through gathering and inputting all your information, including metering, into the computer system so that when your meter is read you will be billed accurately. The deposit acts as a safety net for NORA if you fail to pay your bill. In some cases, the deposit may be waived if you obtain a letter of good standing/credit from your previous electric company. The deposit can be refunded to you if you have a good credit history with NORA. The deposit will be earning interest while NORA holds it.
