I don’t understand why I should have to pay a “municipal franchise fee” on my electric bill. I live in an unincorporated area of the county–no municipality, not even a village.
My power company is Dominion Power. A few years ago when fuel prices spiked up they added a “fuel surcharge”. Now fuel prices have come down. Do you think the surcharge is gone? I’ll let you all answer that…
Call the company, and ask them to explain the charge. It may be that it is a mistake.
Years ago I paid more attention to our water bill than usual, and noted that we were being charged for sewer, too. We have septic, and are not connected to the city’s sewer system. I called, asked, and the charge was removed (I think also for a number of previous months, but not as long as we had lived here… there was a limit.)
Yes, I did call them and asked about it.
The lady said “Oh yes, I can give you details about that. Please hold.” Then she put me on indefinite hold.
After 15 minutes, I hung up and called back.
A second representative said that this is a fee paid to municipalities for the right to provide power in the city. When I said that I don’t live in a municipality, she pivoted and said that oh they pay it to counties also.
I then recommended that they rename it to a “city/county franchise fee”.
She said she would pass the suggestion along.
Naturally, I’m holding my breath.
Contact your State Public Utilities Commission.