Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/18/2018 10:34:25 PM

Recently there were several post concerning high Alabama Power electric bills which were mainly the result of some colder than usual winter temperatures which really affected those using heat pumps for heating and cooling. I just received a letter from Alabama Power introducing Flat Bill. This is a new system of billing which is different than Budget Billing. Alabama Power will review your account and advise if you are elgible for Flat Bill. If you qualify, you will be billed the same amount each month no matter how much power you use. You can learn more and sign up at Alabama PowerFlatBill.com or call their priority line at 1-877-FLATBIL (352-8245) by June 4, 2018. I didn't waste any time signing up. Stay as warm or as cool as you like for a year without having to worry about always monitoring the thermostat.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/18/2018 11:12:43 PM

Gotta look at this in more depth, but seems to me power company has protected themselves very well against any risk.  Risk Adder is a bummer.  Don't forget APC is supposed to give a kick back of about 10%/mo starting in July thru end of year.  Trump's tax gift.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/20/2018 12:51:53 PM

I am certain that the Power Company DID protect themselves---as they are required by law to do.

I, for one, appreciate--and use--levelized billing and have for many years. Should my bill far surpass the "boundaries" that accomodate my billing, my bill will rise. If they did NOT do that, YOU would be halping pay for my bill. That is also the law. I'm not defending the power company as much as reacting to a comment that infers they are doing something wrong--as they are trying to do something right.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Lakeguy
Date:	5/20/2018 7:20:22 PM

May I suggest you reread both posts, then get on line and read terms of Flat Billing.....it is not the same program as levelized billing.  Personally I review my kw usage every month so that I can tell if I have an a/c unit or other malfunction that needs work.  As far as APC and tha LAW, I imagine they can charge as LITTLE as they want.....their upper limit is controlled by Twinkle & co.....and da LAW.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Lakeguy
Date:	5/22/2018 12:46:55 PM

Really not wanting a spirited debate, just trying to clarify. No, APC can NOT charge less than what the PSC mandates. To do so, has all of "us" making up the difference on the regulated and approved rate. 

This is not theory, but true fact. 

Now, I'm through :)

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Golly gee
Date:	5/22/2018 1:31:40 PM

They sell lot’s of excess energy wholesale to a bunch of different folks.  Does Twinkle control $ of that too.  Based on what you said, she does...

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Golly gee
Date:	5/22/2018 3:28:35 PM

Nope. Not under Twinkle's jurisdiction. Sometimes that power is sold at up to 10 times what we pay but 3 to 4 times is common.

Name:	George -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/22/2018 4:54:51 PM

I just went to the APCo Flat bill site and it's very simple.  Your monthly bill is based on your prior 12 months usage.  If you start keeping the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, your new flat rate will be higher next year.  I am currently on Levelized billing which is the same thing except the bill is adjusted every 3 months rather than every 12 months.  It's not stated, but I'm sure if you cancel or move your service, you will eith pay or receive the difference to actual.  The flat bill is great for people that budget to the penny.  Now if the gas co. and water co. would offer it.

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/22/2018 5:13:07 PM

AH-HA.  I thought levelized updated once a year also.  That explains the difference.  I just don't see the long term benefit.  I just pay as I go.  Kinda like getting smacked back into reality in July and January!

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/22/2018 5:28:33 PM

You just broke the code.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Golly gee
Date:	5/22/2018 5:30:10 PM

and there you have the key to how regulated companies must find ways to survive/thrive.

Name:	lakeguy -	Reply
Subject:	Alabama Power Flat Bill
Date:	5/22/2018 10:35:11 PM

glad you now understand.

It's simply a choice....many like it, you don't-it's a choice. I appreciate having a choice.