High Bill Alerts (non-AMI) FAQs
What are High Bill Alerts (non-AMI)?
High Bill Alerts (non-AMI) are email messages that we send you when we estimate that you may spend more money on your energy bill this bill period compared to the last billing period. Generally, people fluctuate in their energy use due to changes in the weather. We measure how sensitive your home is to changes in the weather and sends you an alert if the weather during this billing period might cause your home to use more energy. We hope that these alerts can provide an early warning if you are headed towards a high bill. You should have time to reduce your usage before you get your next bill, so there will not be any surprises when your bill arrives.
My alert says I am using more energy. How is this being calculated?
We will send you an alert when your energy usage and costs are projected to be at least 30% higher than your previous bill. We take into account usage and cost, so you do not get nuisance alerts just because your rate might be higher over time. If you receive an alert, it means you are using more energy.
Note to CSRs: 30% is the default percentage. This percentage may vary by utility. Contact your supervisor if you have any questions.
Why are you comparing this month to a previous bill period?
We want you to be able to see how much energy you use from billing cycle to billing cycle as the weather changes. We track the local weather patterns in your area to make sure that our estimates are accurate and reflect the weather that you experience each billing period.
I'd like to start saving more energy. What can I do?
Our utility offers multiple programs to help you save energy. I can help you learn more about these programs. To see energy saving tips on your own, log in to the Oracle Utilities web portal and click on the Ways to Save tab.
Can I opt out of this program?
Yes. You can opt out in a number of ways. The options available will depend on your utility's setup and program design.
From the web: The recommended method is to use the Digital Self Service - Energy Management Web Portal Account and Preferences section to change your preferences. If you unsubscribe in this way, you will be able to subscribe again in the future.
Note: Some utilities choose to host their own account services. If your utility does not offer the Digital Self Service - Energy Management Web Portal as part of their program, contact your utility for more information about account management.
From an email: Click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email and follow the instructions to opt out.
Warning: If you click Unsubscribe in the email and then click to unsubscribe from all emails, this action is permanent, and you will not be able to opt back in. If you click to opt out of High Bill Alert (non-AMI) emails only, then you can opt back into them at a later time.
Can I opt back in after I have opted out?
It depends on how you originally opted out.
- If you changed your alert preferences through the Digital Self Service - Energy Management Web Portal, you can opt back in again. Log in to the web portal, go to Account and Preferences, and select how you want to receive alerts.
- If you clicked the unsubscribe link on the bottom of an email alert and opted out of all emails, you cannot opt back in again. However, if you opted out of High Bill Alert AMI emails only, you can opt back in again.
Why did I receive two alerts in the same billing period?
We send separate alerts for gas and electric usage. If you are expected to have a high bill for both these fuel types, you will receive two alerts in the same billing period.