Commercial Electic Services

All rates are effective September 1, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

Each customer will also pay a power cost adjustment (PCA) each month based on the kWh that is used.  The PCA is based on BPU’s cost of power purchased wholesale from American Electric Power.

Commercial Service

Each customer will pay a power cost adjustment (PCA) each month based on the kWh that is used.  The PCA is based on BPU’s cost of power purchased wholesale from American Energy Partners, Inc.

The monthly service charge applies for all rate classifications, regardless of usage on meter.  To qualify as a small, medium, or large general service customer, the rate is based on the three highest monthly demands (kW) in a 12 month period.  The customer will remain at this rate for the next 12 months.  The customer’s demand (kW) will be reviewed on a yearly basis.

Commercial Service – Single Phase – < 15 kW

Commercial Service – Three Phase – < 15kW

The Commercial Service Rate applies to commercial customers, for a single or three phase electric service supplied through one meter at the secondary voltage available at the customer’s location.  Customers whose demand (kW) is less than 15 kW will be charged this rate.

SMALL GENERAL SERVICE

Small General Service – Single Phase – 15 to <100 kW

Small General Service – Three Phase – 15 to <100 kW

The Small General Service Rate applies to commercial customers whose demand (kW) is 15 to <100 for a single or three-phase electric service supplied through one meter at the secondary voltage available at the customer’s location.

Medium General Service – Three Phase – 100 to <1,000 kW

The Medium General Service Rate applies to commercial customers whose demand (kW) is 100 to <1,000 for a single or three-phase electric service supplied through one meter at the secondary voltage available at the customer’s location. If the service is primary metered a 3% discount will be applied to the energy and demand rates.

Large General Service- 1,000 to 2,500 kW

Large Power Over 2,500 kW

Type of Service

Service will be alternating current; 60 hertz; under one of the following classifications

• Secondary Voltage – Single or three phase, 600 volts or less
• Primary Voltage – Three phase, 4,160 volts to 34,500 volts, supplied from BPU

Service voltage available in any given case is dependent upon voltage and capacity of existing lines in vicinity of customer’s premises.  Service is in accordance to BPU Electric Service Regulations and any applicable riders.

Billing Demand

Billing Demand is the kW measured during the 15 minute period of customer’s greatest use during the month, as adjusted for the power factor.  When customer’s average monthly power factor is less than 85 percent lagging, the maximum measured demand will be adjusted by multiplying 85 percent and dividing by the average monthly power factor in percent.  The average monthly power factor will be computed by the formula, average monthly power factor equal (100*kWh)/Sqrt (kWh^2 + kVarh^2).

A customer will be removed from large power if the demand remains below 250kW for 12 consecutive months.  The customer will then be charged the rate for general service demand.  However, if the demand meets or exceeds 250kW again, the customer will then be classified a large power customer with the next month’s billing cycle and will remain at this rate according to BPU’s Electric Service Rate Policy.

Economic Development

The Economic Development Rate (EDR), effective January 26, 2016, is offered for new load generated by General Service Demand and Large Light and Power electric customers.  The following table shows the discount rate over a five (5) year period.

All the components of the electric charges will be calculated using the current electric service rates to get the gross electric charges.  The EDR discount rate is then applied to the gross electric charges and will show as a credit on the customer’s utility bill.  Each year on the anniversary of the customer’s service start date the EDR discount rate will decrease and at the end of five (5) years, the EDR discount rate will cease.

Commercial Dual Fuel

A dual fuel system uses two independent heating systems to heat your business.  BPU dual fuel customers use electricity as the primary source of heat.  Propane, fuel oil, or natural gas can be used as the back-up heat source.  The back-up heat source must be automatic and of adequate size to heat your business during peak interruptions.  For example, an electric heat source, such as a plenum heater, with fuel oil, propane, natural gas or electric storage heat as the back-up heating system would qualify.

This program is available to customers receiving electric service, along with another electric rate schedule.  This rate is interruptible up to 400 hours per season and will be remotely controlled by BPU to prevent excessive peak usage.  The space heating load will be separately metered and may be interruptible at any time.  This type of service is single phase or three phase, 60 hertz, at available secondary voltage.

Commercial Off Peak

This program is available to customers receiving electric service along with another electric rate schedule.  This rate is for interruptible service to energy loads, which are remotely controlled by BPU.  This space heating load will be separately metered. Service under this schedule will be available for approximately eight (8) hours per day, normally 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or as established by BPU.  This type of service is single phase or three phase, 60 hertz, at available secondary voltage.

Off Peak Heating

An off peak heating customer uses electricity as their primary source of heat.  An off peak heating system utilizes a thermal (heat) storage system that heats up during off peak times, typically 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.  In-floor electric mats, electric boilers for in floor hot water heat,

and brick storage units are all examples of storage heat system.  The heat is then released into your business the following day to provide 100% of your heating as needed

Off Peak Electric Hot Water Storage

An off peak water heating customer is required to have a 120 gallon or larger, UL approved, water heater installed.  The water heater storage system heats water during off peak times, typically 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The heated water can then be used anytime during the day.

Security Lights

BPU offers a security lighting program. The security lighting is available to both residential and commercial customers. BPU maintains the security light. This service is offered for a monthly fee of $12.50 (+tax) per security light.  A Security Light Agreement has to be signed before a light can be installed.

Security Lights Service Agreement