Utilities setup and providers in Alabama: Major energy providers: Alabama Power, TVA, local cooperatives. Water services usually managed by city or county. Natural gas providers: Spire, Alagasco. High-speed internet: AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum. Check deposit requirements for new connections. Request budget billing to stabilize monthly costs. Understand peak-hour electricity pricing, if applicable. Register for online account management services. Contact utility providers for service transfer dates. Investigate discounts for low-income households.
Major energy providers: Alabama Power, TVA, local cooperatives.
In Alabama, major energy providers include Alabama Power, which is the only investor-owned utility regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission; the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned utility serving parts of Alabama; and local municipal utilities such as those member cities of Electric Cities of Alabama and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), which serve various cities across the state.
Water services usually managed by city or county.
In Alabama, water services are often managed by local city or county utilities, such as Birmingham Water Works, Bessemer Water Service, and other municipal water boards, which are responsible for providing, maintaining, and managing water resources within their respective jurisdictions. For more detailed information about these services, you can visit the Water Providers section on their website.
Natural gas providers: Spire, Alagasco.
Spire, formerly known as Alagasco, stands as the largest natural gas utility in Alabama, catering to the energy needs of over 500,000 customers. In 2014, Alagasco was acquired by The Laclede Group, marking a significant transition in its operations. This acquisition led to a rebranding in 2017, under which Spire Alabama Inc. emerged, continuing to serve its expansive customer base with enhanced vigor and commitment.
High-speed internet: AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum.
In Alabama, AT&T and Spectrum are the most common high-speed internet providers, with AT&T offering fiber speeds up to 5,000Mbps and Spectrum providing cable and fiber speeds up to 1,000Mbps. Comcast (Xfinity) has limited coverage, mainly in areas like Huntsville, Florence, and Tuscaloosa, while AT&T's fiber plans are generally preferred for their speed and affordability, especially when bundled with other services.
Check deposit requirements for new connections.
Setting up new service with Huntsville Utilities involves a deposit of $300; however, this can be reduced to $100 for customers who exhibit satisfactory credit, maintain an excellent credit score, or submit a Guarantee of Account. In contrast, Alabama Power determines the deposit based on a credit check, setting it at twice the average monthly bill. This deposit is refundable following 12 consecutive on-time payments. For more information, you can visit the Huntsville Utilities website.
Request budget billing to stabilize monthly costs.
Alabama Power's Budget Billing program averages your electric bills over 12 months to provide a consistent monthly payment, helping you manage seasonal fluctuations in energy costs without any additional fees or discounts. The program requires you to be in good financial standing and not have discontinued the program in the last 12 months. For more information about this convenient payment option, visit the Alabama Power website and learn how you can benefit from Budget Billing.
Understand peak-hour electricity pricing, if applicable.
In Alabama, particularly with Alabama Power Company, peak-hour electricity pricing is implemented through the Time Advantage - Demand Rate Plan. During the summer, peak hours, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, are priced at 24.8299 cents/kWh, while weekends and off-peak times enjoy a more economical rate of 9.8299 cents/kWh. Users can save significantly by avoiding the simultaneous use of major appliances during these peak periods.
Register for online account management services.
Alabama Power provides a streamlined online platform where users can create an account for managing various tasks such as account changes, tracking energy usage, and setting up outage and billing alerts. This ensures users have a convenient way to handle their billing history. On the other hand, if you are with Community Utilities of Alabama, their My Utility Account offers a comprehensive self-service customer portal, available any time on both web and mobile, which simplifies the process of managing utility accounts electronically. For those with Huntsville Utilities, their My Account Portal empowers users to establish new services, make necessary changes, and manage accounts with ease. Full service applications are available online, via mail, or in person, ensuring flexibility to meet different customer needs. More information about these services can be explored on the respective websites, including how to set up an account with Alabama Power.
Contact utility providers for service transfer dates.
When planning to transfer or set up utility services in Alabama, it's vital to reach out to providers such as Alabama Power Company, Baldwin County Electric Membership Corporation, or other local cooperatives. Begin by contacting their customer service departments to gather specific dates and instructions. For individuals in areas like North Shelby, Riverview, or Morris Utility, contacting the local utility provider's customer service is essential. They can be reached via phone or email to facilitate arrangements for transferring services. If you're located in South Baldwin County, consider connecting with Riviera Utilities for all necessary information on applying for service, billing, and any other queries you might have. It's crucial to follow these steps to ensure a seamless transition of your utility services.
Investigate discounts for low-income households.
In Alabama, low-income households can access discounts and assistance through programs like LIHEAP, administered by community action agencies, as well as utility company programs such as Alabama Power's Project Share and Spire Energy's DollarHelp, which provide financial assistance for energy bills based on income eligibility and other requirements. More information on these programs can be found on the Community Action Agency of Alabama website.