The Service Availability Charge helps cover all of the costs associated with building and maintaining an electrical system capable of delivering reliable power 24/7. This includes items like poles, electrical wire, transformers, substations, meter testing, buildings and maintenance, insurance, and much more.
Berkeley Electric Cooperative charges a daily $0.99 Service Availability Charge for residential services and $1.18 daily for commercial services. We made the decision several years ago to be transparent about the true costs factored into your bill, so this charge is listed separately and NOT built into the energy charge.
A full explanation of the Service Availability Charge was published prior to its implementation in SC Living magazine (pgs 20 B-C).
