FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Where do I apply for service or inquire about a bill?
Apply at the Covington City Hall at 2194 Emory Street (Hwy. 81). For more information about establishing accounts and questions about your bill, click here for customer service or call them at 770-385- 2000.
2. Are the residential rates the same all year?
No, for the eight months of October through May, "winter" rates apply which cost less than summer rates. Summer rates are higher above 300 kWH due to the higher cost of generating the extra power needed in the summer.
3. Why does the City have an "adjustment" (PCA) added to our bill?
The PCA is a means by which the price charged for electricity is adjusted to correspond with the costs that the City incurs to acquire and provide electric service. Just the same as the price of gasoline can change, so can the price of fuel used to generate electricity? The price of electricity bought from wholesale power marketers also varies.
4. My power is out. Who should I call?
Call 770-385-2000 or 770-385-2049 for 24/7 emergency service.
5. My yard is dark. What can I do about it?
You may call us about security lights that can be leased from the City. We offer several types of fixtures. You may also have a private electrical contractor add floodlights to your home or install other outdoor lights. You may "do-it-yourself" with fixtures available at local hardware and building supply stores. If you are unsure what to do, call us and we'll review the options.
5. I want to put up some decorative lights for the holidays. Do they cost much to operate?
Generally no. Most small Christmas / Halloween lights use 1/2 watt or less per bulb. A string of 100 such lights that are "on" for 6 hours a day cost less than $1.00 to operate for a month. The new LED lights cost less than this to operate.
6. Half of the lights in my house are out. What's happening?
You may have a circuit breaker tripped or fuse blown. Check your electric panel for these. If that's not the problem, a connection or other wiring problem has likely occurred. It may be a problem with your household wiring or it may be a problem on your service line from the City. Call us and we'll check our line. It that's not the problem, you need to call a private electrical contractor.
7. Last Year my air conditioner ran fine. This year it runs all the time and the house isn't cool. What's happening?
There's probably something wrong, such as a refrigerant leak. Call a qualified heating / air-conditioning contractor.
8. Can I save money by setting my air-conditioning at a higher temperature?
Yes. Some authorities say that you save about 1% for each degree of upward change for each 8 hours. Using this rule of thumb, setting the temperature up by 4 degrees for 24 hours could save 12% of the energy used for cooling in a day. 78 degrees is a frequently recommended summer setting. Just be sure you're still comfortable.
9. I would like to know more about energy-efficient lighting for my home. Is there a website with information?
Yes. Actually there are several. Try www.energystar.gov and click on "lighting".
10. I'm a builder. How do I get electric service run to the house I'm building?
Click on new services. If you need more information or need to request the installation of an underground service, call our field technicians at 770-385-2138.
11. I have buried utility lines on my property and I want to dig a small pond? How do I find where these lines are located?
Call 811, the new national one-call locate number. All such calls in Georgia will go directly to the Utility Protection Center in Duluth which will issue locate "tickets" to the area utility providers. Note that there is a waiting period of several days as specified by state law. Also, please note that lines that do not belong to a utility, such as the water line between the meter and the house or a sprinkler line, are not covered by the law and must be located, if possible, by the owner.
12. My firm needs information related to a new industrial project. Where can I get it?
There are several sources depending upon what you need. The City and Newton County both participate in the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, 770-786-7510, which can provide considerable information on available sites, rail access, applicable incentives, state-sponsored "Quick Start" training, etc. The City's electric system is represented by the marketing and economic development divisions of Electric Cities of Georgia, 770-661-2889 as well as our own marketing coordinator at 770-385-2027.
13. How can I contact the major personnel in the department?
Operations Manager, Michael Knight 770-385-2043
Project Coordinator, Glenn Lovering 770-385-2138
Energy Services, Bob Bates 770-385-2134
Marketing, Stacy Walden 770-385-2027
Director, Bill Meecham 770-385-2120
14. Large utility companies are regulated by their state public service / public utility commissions? Who controls Covington's utility systems?
Unlike large companies which may be managed by boards of directors and utility commissions that may be located miles away, Covington's electric, gas and water systems are controlled by the Covington City Council, all of whom live in the local community. While many of our utility customers live outside the city limits, the Council represents their interest on utility matters and is far easier to contact. All official meetings are held in Covington and are open to the public.
Please note that questions on many other subjects are answered under the Customer Service FAQ section.