Can I pay my bill by credit card?
Yes, we accept MasterCardŽ and VisaŽ. Just call us or stop by our office to pay; there is no extra fee to pay by credit card.

Can I pay my Hancock-Wood and Prism Propane bill with one check?
No, you must write two separate checks -- one for each bill

How do I get on the budget billing plan?
Just call or email us. Anyone is qualified to be on this plan as long as you are not behind on your bill, and you have been receiving our service for 12 months.

What would my budget bill be each month?
Your budget is what your average is over the last 12 months rounded to the nearest dollar. This is why we need you to have been receiving service with us for 12 months -- so we have a history from which to determine a budget for your account.

Where can I pay my bill?
We have three convenient options: 1. Mail, 2. At our office (lobby, drive-thru, or night deposit drop-box), 3. Kroger on Tiffin Ave. in Findlay (where there's a payment drop-box).

What is the "facilities charge" on my bill?
This represents a standard fixed monthly service charge which allows HWE to cover the cost of supplying and maintaining the facilities for the availability of electric service (meter, pole, transformer, etc.).

What is the "power cost adjustment (PCA) " on my bill?
The PCA is an automatic adjustment clause that allows Hancock-Wood to adjust your monthly bills either upward or downward to reflect the company's average cost of purchasing power.

Why doesn't my bill amount seem right?
If you have lived in your home for a while, you may be used to predictable energy bills. But once in a while, an energy bill seems to "jump" for no obvious reason. There is always a reason for a sudden bill increase -- it's just a matter of finding it. Here are some of the more obvious reasons:

1. Billing period -- A typical billing period is between 28-33 days; if your bill is for a longer period, that may account for the difference.
2. Previous balance -- If your bill shows a previous balance, perhaps this bill and your payment crossed in the mail.
3. Change in seasons -- A change in temperatures could mean more air conditioning or heat usage. Also, shorter days mean more time indoors (watching TV, eating in, etc.), and thus, more lights turned on. During the summer, some appliances such as dehumidifiers, air conditioners, fans and swimming pool pumps will run more. In the winter, most heating systems use electricity to circulate the heat.
4. Change in appliances -- You may forget about all the extra electric devices you purchase over time: computer, printer, television, DVD player, extra phones and outdoor lighting. All of these add up, especially for example, when you leave on lights and computers while not using them.
5. Thermostat settings -- Some thermostats will only set the heat back to 55 degrees even though it may appear "off." The heat will come on when the temperature is lower than 55 degrees. Colder than normal weather will cause your heat to be on longer. Plus, thermostats may be inaccurate, especially the bi-metallic type common with ceiling heat and baseboard heaters; digital thermostats may lose their programmed settings when the power goes off.
6. Water heater problems -- If you do not have an efficient newer model water heater you can be using more electricity than necessary. Also, if an element is burned out or sediment has built up inside the tank, your usage can be high.
7. Water leaks -- Water leaks in pipes, especially hot water leaks, can cause your water pump and water heater to operate more than normal.
8. Insulation factors -- Not only insulation, but window and floor coverings also affect your bill because they can have an impact on the efficiency of heating and air-conditioning systems.
9. Holidays/parties -- You may have used more energy than usual if the house was packed with friends and relatives. Overnight guests can increase the water heating, lighting and laundry usage dramatically.
10. Structural differences -- Comparing your bill to a neighbor's is probably not fair when considering the numerous differences in homes. Insulation, windows and doors are major factors in helping you cut your electric bill. And even though your home may have been built at the same time and by the same builder, previous homeowners may have made improvements of which you are not even aware.

All these variables play a part in the actual number of kilowatts used each month, so be very aware of your changes in use, and try to keep an eye on it in the future.