Rates and Policies

Power Outages | Outage Priority Listing | Capital Credits | Disconnect Policy | Schedule of Fees

Power Outages

A power outage is an unusual event. However, severe weather, traffic accidents and other unanticipated occurrences can and do cause temporary interruptions in service from time to time.

Should you ever find yourself without power, there are certain steps and precautions that you should take to insure that your power will be restored at the earliest possible moment.

First, be sure to check the fuses and breakers in your home or facility. If the wiring inside your home appears to be working properly, call LaGrange County REMC at (260) 463-7165 or (877) 463-7165. Tell the dispatcher the name under which the service is listed and the location number of your residence or facility that is listed on your bill stub.

If you repeatedly get a busy signal when trying to call in, it probably means that others are without power too. Rest assured that LaGrange County REMC employees will be working as quickly as possible to answer phones and dispatch crews. Because of the potential volume of calls, you need only call once to report an outage, even if you go without power after you have called. Help is on the way as soon as we can get it there.

Next, turn off all appliances, heating and cooling systems, lights, etc. This will prevent the potential over-loading of the system when it is re-energized. Its safe to keep one light on so you'll know when power is restored and if you have an outdoor light, turn it on to alert crews that your power has been restored. Once power has been returned slowly turn your appliances and lights back on.

To protect perishable foods, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep them as cold as possible during the outage. According to some experts, food can keep up to 48 hours if the appliances are not opened and closed.

If you must go outside, stay away from downed power lines. You should always assume that downed lines are energized and potentially dangerous. Do not attempt to remove trees or limbs from lines.

Do not sit in an idling car while it is in the garage to warm up during a winter power outage. Carbon monoxide gas is emitted from automobiles. It's colorless, odorless and deadly when used indoors.

It’s also unsafe to use a camp stove or charcoal grill indoors to generate heat or prepare a meal. Both of these also emit deadly gases.

Outage Priority Listing

Customers on life support are encouraged to contact us to be placed on our outage priority list. At the earliest opportunity, priority is given to these customers in restoring power after an outage. Call the LaGrange County REMC offices today to sign up. (260)463-7165

Patronage Capital Credits

The LaGrange County REMC is a cooperative owned by the members it serves. Each membership receives patronage capital credit allocations based on their energy consumption. This credit is a refund that represents the difference between the actual cost to provide members with electric service and the amount they pay for it. If the board determines there are adequate cash reserves, capital credit refund checks are distributed to members for the applicable year(s). Returning patronage is one of the many advantages of being a member of a cooperative.

Disconnect Policy

An electric service may be disconnected for nonpayment if the bill is not paid by the disconnect date printed in red on the over-due bill. The bill will include the disconnect date and the past due amount that must be paid or service may be disconnected without prior notice. The Cooperative may refuse to restore service until it receives full payment of any past due obligation including any applicable fee unless other arrangements are made with the office.

Schedule of Fees

1. Standard Reconnect Charge: $40.00

2. After Hours Reconnect Charge: $250.00

3. Collection Trip Charge: $20.00

4. Returned Check Charge: $25.00

5. Meter Tampering Charge: $300.00 (plus damages)

Late Payment Fee: 10% of the first $3.00 and 3% of the excess over $3.00.

In addition to the above, all actual court costs and attorney fees incurred by LaGrange County REMC in collecting accounts as well as pre and post judgment interest as allowed by law if referred to a collection agency or attorney for collection.