Beginning with July's bills, Newton residents will see an extra charge on their electricity accounts.
The new charge is the result of a state law requiring all municipalities, independent electricity providers and electric utility companies to decrease their demand, or amount of electricity provided, by a certain percentage through energy efficient programs and create part of their supply from renewable sources. Such sources include solar and wind.
"We have to implement some kind of energy programs or put a cap on the cost, which ultimately means charging the end users," said Doug Wesson, Newton's assistant director for Public Works.
The charge will go toward funding programs aimed at saving energy and using renewable energy sources.
Newton operates its own electric facility as a member the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1 that provides power for 19 municipalities in western North Carolina.
NCMPA1 has filed an energy compliance plan on behalf of its members, including Newton. It also implemented programs aimed at helping members comply with the legislation.
NCMPA1 includes Albemarle, Bostic, Cherryville, Cornelius, Drexel, Gastonia, Granite Falls, High Point, Huntersville, Landis, Lexington, Lincolnton, Maiden, Monroe, Morganton, Newton, Pineville, Shelby and Statesville.
Charges for Newton customers are as follows:
• 52 cents per month for residential customers
• $2.60 per month for commercial customers
• $26 per month for industrial customers
Wesson said an example of the energy programs in Newton is rebates on energy efficient air conditioning and heat pump units and other appliances. People installing appliances in their homes may also be eligible for tax credits as well as the rebate.
Using energy efficient lighting, solar and thermal energy units and constructing a new house using Energy Star regulations are other examples of such programs.
The extra charge will labeled "REPS Fee" and will be clearly identifiable on residents' bills.
The city began looking at ways of being more energy efficient over the last year and has made changes accordingly to save money. The legislation, however, creates a need for residents to get involved as well.
NCMPA1 announced Hometown Green — Generating Smart Energy Choices, a new initiative to help customers save energy and learn about renewable energy — earlier this year. The program promotes energy-smart habits.
To learn more about renewable energy and Hometown Green, go to www.ncpublicpower.com.
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