Understanding Residential Utility Bills

RESIDENTIAL UTILITY
Please note that these are general guidelines of items that most residential utility customers may see on their utility bill. Utility bills may differ based on services provided and if new meters are installed, please feel free to contact the Department of Finance for further clarification or questions on individual utility bills.
  

A.

  Meter ID – identification number listed on the face of the electric or water meter 
 

B.

Current Date – the date the meter reading was obtained for the current billing cycle
 

C.

Current Reading – the meter reading obtained from the dials on the electric or water meter on the current date
 

D.

Previous Date – date will usually coincide with "current date" from the preceding month's utility bill 
 

E. 

Previous Reading – the meter reading obtained from the dials on the electric or water meter on the previous date
 

F. 

Usage –
    • ELECTRIC - usage is shown in kilowatt hours
        • calculated by subtracting previous reading from current reading then multiplying by meter multiplier if necessary (Note:  Most residential electric meter do not have a multiplier)   
    • WATER - usage shown in 100 gallon increments (example usage of 45 equates to 4,500 gallons of water)
        • calculated by subtracting previous reading from current reading

G. 

Previous Balance – outstanding amount on utility account.  As noted previous balances are due immediately, utility service may be subject to disconnection for non-payment of previous balances 
 

H. 

ELEC-RE - Electric Residential charges – Calculated by multiplying electric usage by the rate per kilowatt hour then adding the facility charge 
 

I. 

EL TAX – Consumer Tax/Electric Consumption Tax – Maximum charge of $3.00 – Taxed accordingly based on Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission Public Service Taxation Division 
 

J. 

PCA – Power Cost Adjustment – Distribution fee charged by the Town’s electric provider for the delivery of electric.  Calculated by multiplying electric usage by rate.  Power Cost Adjustment rate is subject to change based on Town of Front Royal Municipal Code Chapter 70-23(C).

K.

 

WATER – Water charges - Calculated by multiplying water usage that has exceeded minimum usage charge by corresponding water rate then adding minimum water charge 
 

L.

SEWER – Sewer charges - Please note that sewer charges are based on water consumption. Calculated by multiplying water usage that has exceeded minimum usage charge by corresponding sewer rate then adding minimum sewer charge
  

M. 

GARBAGE – Garbage/refuse/solid waste charges based on type of service and number of containers. Please note that  charges may be incurred whether using service or not based on municipal code section 85-3(A). Please see Chapter 85 of the Town of Front Royal’s Municipal Code for further information.