Understanding Your Billing Statement

Here, you will find two important pieces of information: your account number and your map location. The service address provides a general description of your account's geographic location. Please verify that your contact information is correct. If not, please contact us to make any necessary changes. This section is where you will see the total amount due for the month.

In this section, you will find important updates regarding our cooperative, including news about the annual meeting and information about available programs and services.

• Meter Number: This is the meter serial number and is used mostly by EnerStar. Occasionally, we may ask members for this number, especially in remote locations or when a member has multiple accounts
• Substation (Sub): This is the substation that serves your account location. 
• Read Dates: This shows the service period for the billing statement and the number of service days.
• Meter Readings and Multipliers: This shows the readings and the meter multiplier. To calculate your monthly electric kWh use, we subtract the previous meter reading from the current one, then multiply that number by your "meter multiplier." Most residential accounts have a meter multiplier of 1, but some accounts have a meter that only measures a portion of the energy used and, therefore, requires a multiplier to correctly calculate the kWh used.
• kWh Usage: The total kilowatt-hours is the amount of electricity used during the billing period. One kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb would consume one kilowatt-hour of energy if it ran for 10 hours.
• Bill Type: This field indicates if the billing statement is “Regular” as in an actual reading or “Estimated” in rare circumstances
• Rate: This is the rate for the account location. Click here to learn more about our retail rates

This section displays the monthly electricity usage over the past year in comparison to the previous year. It also compares the current month to the previous month and the same month last year. Additionally, it includes average temperatures, which can significantly impact your usage, and the average kWh per day.

• At the top of this section, you will be alerted if a balance is carried forward from the previous month. If your billing statement is overdue, please contact our Member Services Department at 1-800-635-4145 or email us. We may have options available to help you.
• Grid Access Fee: This charge is a fixed monthly amount that all cooperative members pay. It covers the basic minimum costs of bringing electricity to each account location, regardless of how much energy is sold. It includes the upkeep of our electric system, such as substations, poles, lines, meters, and other cooperative expenses. The electric delivery system is a significant investment, and we must maintain this investment to ensure reliability and safety for all. 
• Energy Charges: This is the charge for the energy you consumed in the previous month 
• Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (PCA): The PCA is a charge that can be added or subtracted from the unit cost of every kilowatt-hour used to account for fluctuations in the cost of wholesale power. These funds are not kept internally; they are a pass-through charge paid directly to our wholesale power provider.
• Distribution Cost Adjustment (DCA): The DCA is a charge that may be added to or subtracted from the unit cost of every kilowatt-hour used to meet yearly board-approved financial goals.
• Taxes: The Cooperative is required to collect applicable taxes imposed by the Illinois Public Utilities Revenue Act.
• Your current account activity is displayed at the bottom of this section. A 5% late fee is only applied if the account is paid after the due date.

• If you mail your payment to the office, please include the bottom portion of the billing statement with your payment. There are many other payment options available to our members. To learn more, visit our payment options page.
• Many of our members enjoy the benefits of using SmartHub to pay their monthly billing statement. SmartHub lets you view billing and payment history, set up personalized account notifications to your needs, and report power outages. Sign up for paperless billing and receive a $5 bill credit! A QR code is provided to sign up for this free app.

The remittance stub includes a QR code that allows you to sign up for SmartHub. Over 55% of our members use SmartHub, where you can view your billing and payment history, set up personalized account notifications, report power outages, and more. If you haven't already, we encourage you to sign up. Also, consider enrolling in paperless billing to receive a $5 bill credit!

At the top of the page, you will find contact information, office hours, and website information.

In this section, you will find information on many convenient payment options available at EnerStar.

We understand that sometimes life happens, and you may find paying your electric bill difficult. In those cases, it is best to contact us early to inquire about possible payment extensions and payment plans before your account is subject to disconnection. However, should the account be disconnected for a returned payment or no payment, this section outlines the fees associated with reconnection of service.

Some members may qualify for energy assistance through LIHEAP. Follow the link to learn more about the program and find their website and contact information for your local Community Action Agency office.

This section defines terms if you need more detail on each charge found on the front page of the billing statement under "Current Billing."

EnerStar offers two convenient alternative billing options that many members find helpful. PrePaid Go is a pay-as-you-go plan that allows you to pay when you want, in the amounts you want, with no late fees or reconnect fees. EnerStar's Budget Billing helps members eliminate the fluctuations in monthly electric bills by leveling out the monthly payments. Ask our Member Services Department for more details.

We understand that sometimes life happens, and you may find paying your electric bill difficult. In those cases, it is best to contact us early to inquire about possible payment extensions and payment plans before your account is subject to disconnection. 

Some members may qualify for energy assistance through LIHEAP. This section provides telephone numbers to your local Community Action Agency office.

First, check your home's fuses or circuit breakers if your power is out. If that is not the problem, call EnerStar 24/7 at 1-800-635-4145 or report your outage through our free, secure SmartHub app. We aim to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible. And remember, STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES.

In this section, you will find important updates regarding our cooperative, including news about the annual meeting and information about available programs and services.