Myth Busting & A Rate Change Reminder

Debunking common misconceptions about your electricity billing service.

Utility billing can be complex, especially when it differs from what you’re used to. If you’re used to getting a bill directly from the local utility for electricity alone, NEP’s bundled approach can raise questions. This month, we’re addressing some of the most common questions and misconceptions we hear from residents about how billing works in NEP communities.

• Myth: NEP only bills me for my electricity

  TRUTH: Most NEP communities use a unified bill that includes electricity along with services like water, sewer, and community fees. The electric portion is always priced at or below the local utility’s standard offer. Depending on what your previous bill included, your total with NEP may look different—even if your electric usage is similar. 

• MYTH: My community's partnership with NEP doesn't benefit me.

  TRUTH: Residents of NEP-serviced communities enjoy several advantages:

  • Automatic start and stop of service at move-in and move-out (no calls required)

  • 100% carbon-free energy at no extra cost

  • Optional alerts for unusually high usage so you can act before surprises show up on your bill

  • Greater utility efficiencies and lower construction costs for the property, helping control overall rent and utility expenses

• MYTH: NEP does not offer payment programs.

  TRUTH: NEP offers several payment support options, including payment plans and the ability to accept pledges from assistance programs. However, some programs, like the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or level billing, are only available through the local utility. While we aren’t eligible to offer those, we do have a dedicated payment support page on our website to help guide you through available resources. 

• MYTH: I'm being charged for other people's apartments.

  TRUTH: We get why it might seem that way, but your charges are not covering other residents' usage. In most NEP communities, electricity is submetered, which means you're only billed for what your unit uses. For water, some properties may use a method called Ratio Utility Billing (RUBs), where charges are split based on unit size or occupancy. This is typically used when individual water meters aren’t feasible. In either case, Common Area Usage (CAU)—like lighting for shared spaces, clubhouse electricity, or irrigation—is billed separately and not tied to your neighbors’ personal usage. Vacant units are not included in your portion of CAU. 

• MYTH: NEP disconnects your electricity when you don't pay rent.

  TRUTH: NEP will not disconnect for non-payment of rent.

Reminder about june rate change

As shared in our April newsletter, electricity rates across the region have increased starting this month. This change is tied to higher capacity prices set by PJM, the organization that manages the electric grid for your area.

While your usage may not have changed, these updated rates will now be reflected in your NEP bill.

NEP continues to ensure you're never charged more than the local utility's standard offer for the same usage.

More information here.