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Basic fee for power is kosher I would like to know why Pacific Power charges us a basic charge plus our kilowatt usage? If I were on a summer vacation and not using any electricity I can see a basic charge, but when I'm home and using electricity why should we be charged a basic charge? -- Jean B., Central Point Well, Jean, you're on the right track to answering your own question with your summer vacation example. And, don't worry, you're not being charged for the same thing twice. The basic charge goes to cover administrative costs like sending someone out to read the meter, doing maintenance and billing, costs that are the same no matter how much electricity you use, according to Lee Sparling, a regulator with the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The PUC governs the rates that Pacific Power and other monopoly utilities charge. The basic charge is separated from your usage fees because those costs are fixed. The current basic rate is about $6. Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA