The Customer Service Charge is a monthly fee that helps cover a large portion of the cost to maintain SESD’s power grid and includes things like replacing old power poles, wire, transformers, and substation components. 

Regardless of how much electricity a home, shop, barn, or business uses -         electrical infrastructure must be maintained so that power is available when the switch goes on. 

Because the electrical system must be maintained and available regardless of usage, the monthly customer charge allows each customer to pay a minimum share of the cost of maintenance regardless of that customer’s usage. 

The rest of the cost of maintenance is covered in energy rates and demand charges; those who use more power, cover more of the maintenance costs.