The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is taking action to maintain the company’s current electric rates, reduce customer fees, and  introduce optional electric rates that offer customer choice while continuing to support PWC’s conservation efforts. 

“PWC is pleased to be able to hold our customers’ base electric rates steady, reduce certain fees and offer new optional rates that can help customers save energy and money,” said Elaina Ball, PWC CEO and general manager.  “Electricity use and technology are rapidly changing, and we are excited to provide options to our customers that will encourage the adoption of new technologies such as roof top solar and electric vehicles.” 

The Commission introduced Time of Use electric rates in 2019 to decrease energy demand costs. Using the electric system during peak times during the weekday can lead to higher power demand costs when compared to using it during other times of the day. By incentivising energy use outside of peak hours, PWC is able to lower power costs overall and maintain rates. 

PWC’s new optional Whole Home/Business rate will have additional incentives for using energy during off-peak hours by introducing a new off-peak rate up to 50 percent less than the current rate. Starting in February 2023, customers will have to sign up for the new rates, and pay a slightly higher basic facility charge for lower rates for energy during the week from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

“The rate supports PWC’s continuing efforts to reduce energy demand costs and provides options for electric vehicle owners to charge during low demand hours that lessen EV impacts on the electric system,” stated the press release.

 Also beginning in 2023, PWC will be incentivising clean energy use by offering Renewable Energy Buy Back for customers who install roof-top solar. The rate will be available for residential and small power customers generating 10 kW or less of energy. 

During their rate action, PWC adopted a new economic development rate for customers who bring 1,000 kW loads to the PWC system or 750kW through expansion.

Beginning in September, this will include employee and/or capital investments. 

The press release also mentioned that PWC will lower fees for connection, reconnection, and meter testing, passing along savings achieved by new technology and operations. 

For more information, specific rates, and fee details, visit here.