Frequently Asked Questions

What is the availability charge on my bill?

“Base Rate” or Availability Charge is Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative’s basic charge that represents your fixed monthly cost consisting of rights-of-way, power line, and other maintenance and operative costs, including property taxes and other expenses associated with service to a member’s location. These costs occur regardless of the amount of energy purchased or sold. The Public Service Commission (PSC) generally requires that such “customer related costs” be identified and billed separately from the “energy-related” and “capacity costs”. Without this fixed charge, the kWh rate would be higher for all energy, and those using more kWh per month would be subsidizing those using less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the availability charge on my bill?

View other questions in Energy Services.

More Questions