It's a fixed monthly amount intended to cover part of the costs of serving an account, regardless of the electricity used. The facility charge reflects the average cost of activities necessary to have service available at a home, business, or other service - even if the service is not used. Cost to operate and maintain the electric transmission and distribution system. Construction costs Purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies. Facility charges are not unique to West Oregon Electric.
Most utilities have such a charge.
As mentioned above, the facility charge covers only part of the cost of providing service to a meter. The difference between this cost and the facility charge is recovered through the electric rates.