 (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
Is the rate increase announced by Ameren/CIPS going to affect the rates for electricity from Wayne-White?
The recently highly publicized power cost auction which is driving Ameren/CIPS to raise electric rates will not directly affect current power costs for Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative. It will, however, go a long way in establishing the future market price of electricity, which could impact member rates in the future. Although incremental rate increases may be necessary to reduce debt to best position the Cooperative for long-term stability, such increases are anticipated to be significantly less than the increases anticipated for Ameren/CIPS customers. We had a slight increase of 4% to our residential customers which went into effect with the July billing. Answered by Daryl Donjon, CEO/Manager.
I heard that the Cooperative is now offering Blower Door Tests, is that correct? Yes, that is correct. The test is for our members and we charge nominal fee of $25 to test the air tightness of your home or building. A Video Clip Demo of an actual Blower Door Test is available for viewing on this website. You can call and get on the list now. More information about the Blower Door Tests also appears in the May issue of the Illinois Country Living Magazine (center section). Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I had read that new legislation had made it possible for broadband internet service to be offered over the electric power grid? Assuming this is technically possible, is Wayne-White going to offer high speed internet service through their power lines? While the technology does exist, the early trials of this service in other parts of the nation have experienced some problems. To make broadband over the power lines a cost-effective service for the Cooperative, we would need to have more members per mile than we currently have on our system. However, we will continue to monitor the progress of this technology. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I am looking for an efficient way to heat an extra room in my house. Somebody told me you sell electric heaters, do you have some information about them? Yes, they are convection style heaters manufactured by Convect Air. They heat well without a fan or motor, so they use less electricity than traditional space heaters. You can stop by our office and see them in use. We also have a video that shows a demonstration of floating particles which illustrates the even heating results created by the Convect Air heaters. CLICK HERE for more information. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I am concerned about increased energy cost. I am switching to all electric heat in my home, but I would like some information about purchasing a heat pump. How do they work? We have heard this question a lot since the fall weather has arrived. You can find 4 new pages of information about heat pumps in a new section that we just added on the website called: "What is a heat pump?" CLICK HERE for Information. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I understand that Wayne-White now offers an online Business Directory, is it open to any business to use? If so, how much does it cost to promote my business on your website? Yes, our new "Area Business Directory" is open to any business in the 11-county area that we serve in southern illinois. Businesses, Churches, and Organizations can utilize this new promotional vehicle on an annual basis. Current member businesses pay just $35 a year for a listing with photos, map link, email link, and website link under 4 category headings of their choice. Non-member businesses can also have the same service for $50 a year. For more information, call us at 842-2196 or visit the Business Directory--CLICK HERE. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I pay my Wayne-White Electric bill on time each month by automatic e-pay through my bank, but I have recently noticed a $40 service fee appearing on my bill…what is this charge? It is a meter reading fee, because you did not provide the cooperative with your required monthly meter reading (which is why your bill is an estimate). Even though you paid your bill automatically through e-pay, the bank is not forwarding a meter reading to us. It is still the responsibility of each member to read their own meter and report the meter reading to the cooperative by mail, by email or by phone with your account number each month. This can easily be done on this website each month by clicking “meter reading” on the left side navigation box and using our email link at meter@wwcec.com Answered by Kimberley Rodgers, Consumer Accounts Representative.
I signed up for the Air Evac Lifeteam membership at a local store, and then I heard on the radio that Wayne-White members can get a $5 credit on their electric bill if they sign up for Air Evac through the cooperative. Is it too late to take advantage of this? It depends upon when you signed up. There is a 15-day waiting period for all new Air-Evac membership applications, regardless of where you signed up. If it is still within the 15-day period, and you are a Wayne-White cooperative member, you might still be eligible for the $5 credit to your bill. All applications through Wayne-White must have the special 4-digit get code of “3974” written on them. Please note: Our special rebate offer cannot be used in combination with other special sign-up offers, which might be available elsewhere. Call us to discuss more details or stop by and pick-up an application at our Fairfield or Enfield office. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam--CLICK HERE. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
Why is there a 15-day waiting period for Air-Evac membership when an application is filled out? That is standard policy procedure on every application, whether you sign up through the cooperative or elsewhere. The 15-day waiting period protects Air-Evac from fraud or abuse. However, if a new applicant suffers an “act of God” event during the 15-day waiting period, (such as a life threatening traffic accident) Air-Evac will still fly the new applicant to the appropriate medical facility at no cost. Remember, Wayne-White members need to put the 4-digit get code of "3974" on their Air Evac application. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam--CLICK HERE. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
Is it true that Wayne-White offers free water heaters to members? Yes, for new home construction projects, we offer our members a Freedom electric water heater at no cost. The 50-gallon Freedom water heater has a 6-year tank warranty and 2-year parts warranty. The Freedom unit can also be purchased as a replacement water heater at $156 for members. Wayne-White also offers the
Marathon
line of water heaters that provide a lifetime warranty. Marathon features a polybutylene tank that doesn’t rust, as well as Envirofoam insulation for energy efficiency. Wayne-White cooperative members can enjoy a special rebate on
Marathon
water heaters. The 50 gallon model is $470, while the 85 gallon model is $600. This price includes the special membership rebate. We also stock a 105-gallon model for use with Geothermal systems. Stop by the office to see a unit. For Freedom water heaters—CLICK HERE. For
Marathon
water heaters—CLICK HERE. Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I am interested in adding a security light on my farm and my home. How much do they cost? You can protect your home or farm with high pressure sodium outdoor security lights, installed and maintained by Wayne-White for just $7.95 a month. For photos and more information-CLICK HERE Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
I have some old stumps in my yard that I would like to have removed. Do you offer stump grinding service? Yes! We offer a special stump grinding service through our subsidiary services at Wayne-White Propane. For more information—CLICK HERE Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
How do I submit my meter reading on the internet? Just go to the meter reading section of this website, and click on the email link to submit your monthly reading, or email us direct at meter@wwcec.com Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services.
Is Wayne-White going to start offering an online bill payment option? I currently pay some of my other bills online and it is so convenient. We are beginning to look at the possibility and feasibility of offering this service in the future, but no timetable has been set. In the meantime, we do offer automatic bill payment through your checking or savings account, as well as payment options at many area banks, by mail, and at our offices in Enfield and Fairfield. For more information, CLICK HERE Answered by Jerry Houser, Manager of Member Services
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IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK, JUST VISIT THE CONTACT USPAGE TO FILL OUT YOUR COMMENT OR QUESTION AND SUBMIT IT TO US. THE APPROPRIATE STAFF MEMBER OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL POST AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
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