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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs, or "Frequently Asked Questions", are answer to questions you may have about CVEC, your electric service, or related matters. Click on the link below to learn the answer to each question.

How is power restored after an Outage?

When an outage occurs crews are dispatched to locate the trouble spot and make necessary repairs. Where there is more than one fault location that produces multiple outages we will correct the problems starting with parts of the distribution system that affects the greatest numbers of consumers.

View a PDF that explains this... (PDF Document 979 KB)

What is a kilowatt-hour?

It is a measure of energy consumed.

1000 watts is a kilowatt. If you use a 100-watt lightbulb for 10 hours you have consumed one kilowatt-hour.

Most of your energy bill will be for appliances that heat or cool.

For an average residential consumer using 1100 kilowatt-hours per month:
  • A 2-watt clock used for 720 hours per month will cost about 12¢.
  • A 200-watt television used for 180 hours per month will cost about $2.93.
  • A 5000-watt clothes dryer used for 15 hours per month will cost about $6.11.
  • A 615-watt frostless refrigerator running 325 hours per month will cost about $16.27.
  • A 4500-watt water heater used 111 hours per month will cost about $40.66.

If your home has a heat pump the square footage, thermostat setting, insulation, and other factors will affect the monthly cost.

Remember this: A heat pump is most efficient in milder climates and less efficient when the outside temperature falls below 35 degrees.

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and leave it there for the most efficient operation. Every degree above the recommended setting will add 3% to the cost of heating your home in the winter months.

How do I read my own meter?

Electric Meter Display

  1. Write down the values from right to left.
  2. Use the lower number if the pointer is in between numbers.
  3. Be aware that some dials move clockwise and others counter-clockwise. Some meters have a multiplier as indicated on the meter (x10).
  4. This meter shows a reading of 0534 and has a multiplier of ten (10).
  5. 0534 x 10 = 5340 kWh (Cumulative usage on this meter to date)
To calculate your energy usage for the billing period:
  1. Take this month's reading (5340) and subtract your last reading (4340)
  2. 5340 - 4340 = 1000 kWh consumed for this billing period

What is an unbundled bill?

In the past CVEC presented you with a bill that did not itemize every component of your service. In preparation for government-mandated competition, we are now itemizing your bill. This unbundled bill includes charges for:
  • Metering & Billing
  • Distribution Service
  • Energy Consumption
  • Power Cost Adjustment
  • Consumption Tax
  • Local Utility Tax

See an example unbundled bill. (PDF Document 2.32 MB)

Why does my bill vary from month to month?

Your electric bill can vary sometimes to a great extent. During the colder or warmer months, heating or cooling costs can cause your bill to increase, while during milder months your costs can decrease. A change in the weather is only one cause of an increase or decrease in your bill. For example, variations in your electric costs are sometimes reflective of the number of days between meter readings. Usually, we read your meter remotely about every 30 days. However, circumstances may require the meter reading time to vary from 27 to 34 days. Also be aware CVEC employees will continue to visit every meter at least once a year, so you will see us on your premises.

Learn more.

Why does my clock radio lose the time and blink?

Each spring, we receive calls from concerned consumers saying that every time a thundershower occurs, their lights blink on and off, and they have to reset all of their electronic clocks.

See what causes the lights to blink.


Are there questions that you would like to have answered? Send an e-mail to FAQs and let us know about your question.


Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Corporate Headquarters:
800 Cooperative Way
Arrington, VA 22922-3300 		phone: (434) 263-8336
toll-free: (800) 367-2832
fax: (434) 263-8339
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 247
Lovingston, VA 22949

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