MVP offers prepay, cautions against meter tampering
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PABLO — As well as its new phone app for keeping track of power bills, Mission Valley Power has implemented a new prepay program, just another way for customers to access power.
“Basically you pay for your power before you use it,” said Ralph Good, general manager of Mission Valley Power.
“The beauty of prepay,” Goode continued, “is that you don’t have to pay a deposit.”
A customer starts out with $50 in their account, and the system alerts them when their balance drops to $30. Then the customer can add more money. Even if something happens and the account zeroes out, a customer can put money back in their account and get their power back, avoiding fees.
Prepay works well for people who like to operate on a cash basis, as well there is no security deposit, no late payment charges, no disconnection fees and a customer has charge of his or her energy budget.
Communication with MVP is very important, Goode stressed, so the staff knows what’s happening.
MVP has noticed an increase in meter tampering, according to Goode and MVP Customer Service Manager Dalene Gardipe.
Trying to turn power back on or messing with MVP meters will result in a $300 fee, $500 the second time around.
Also MVP is aware if a meter has been tampered with.
“The automatic meter does squeal on them,” Goode said.
Also Goode announced the MVP annual meeting would be held on April 30 at the MVP warehouse in Pablo from 5 to 8 p.m.
