- How is steam priced, and what does the contract structure look like?Steam pricing typically includes a capacity component and a commodity component, reflecting both infrastructure readiness and actual energy usage. Customers may elect varying levels of supply, and pricing is transparent, structured, and aligned with sustainability goals. We provide clear documentation, including how elections work and how charges appear on invoices.
- What can I see while looking at my meter?Customers can view the following data on their meters:
- Mass Flow [lb/hr]
- Peak Demand [lb/hr]
- Pressure [psi]
- Temperature [if metered]
- Total Usage [lbs]
- Power status (power outage indicator)
- Why is usage higher this month?Customers often see usage changes due to weather, building operations, or meter read timing. Smart meters report interval data, but manual meters may create estimated reads if access was delayed. Account managers can request a usage review, pull interval graphs, and verify if any spikes or validation flags occurred.
- When should I expect my bill?Vicinity bills customers on district-specific billing cycles. Once reads are processed, we generate an invoice. Customers can generally expect bills on the same cadence each month unless a manual meter delay or off-cycle billing event occurs. In most cases, customers receive their bills during the first week of each month.
- Can I get interval data for my usage?Yes. If the customer is on smart meters, interval data is available and can be shared by your account manager. Manual meters do not produce interval data; only monthly reads are available.
- Can you provide last month's or last year's usage?Yes. Usage history is stored in our system, and customers can download historic usage and bill PDFs. Account managers can also export interval or register-based usage for any date range.
- Where can I find my account PIN?Your account PIN is printed on your invoice underneath the account name and is used alongside the account number for bill pay and portal registration.
- Why was my bill estimated?Bills are estimated when we do not receive a valid read — common with manual meters, site inaccessibility, or meter failure. The billing team applies estimation logic until an actual read is available, which may result in catch-up adjustments the following month.
- What is Mlbs?Mlbs is a unit of measure for one thousand of pounds of steam. 1 Mlbs = 1,000 pounds of steam.
How to Read Your Vicinity Energy Bill
This guide explains what each section of your steam bill means, how your charges are calculated, and where to go if you have questions.
How Billing Works
Your monthly bill is based on the energy your building actually uses. To ensure accuracy, we collect meter readings either automatically from smart meters (or manually if needed). All meter data goes through a detailed review process to confirm it’s complete and correct.
Once verified, your usage information is sent to our billing system, where we apply the appropriate rates, taxes, and any adjustments. Each service area follows a specific billing cycle, so your invoice is generated on a consistent schedule.
If anything in the meter data needs clarification — such as an estimate or an unusual usage pattern — our billing, metering, and operations teams work together to resolve it. Your account manager is always available to help explain your usage, review your bill, or look into any concerns.
Talk to our team of energy experts today to learn how district energy can help buildings meet federal and local emissions requirements.
How does the billing process work in detail?
How is my bill calculated?
Your monthly bill is based on the energy your building actually uses. To ensure accuracy, we collect meter readings either automatically from smart meters (or manually if needed). All meter data goes through a detailed review process to confirm it’s complete and correct.
How are meter readings collected?
Vicinity Energy typically uses a vortex meter to collect meter readings. A flow computer interpret data transmitted by the vortex meter and sends signals from the field into our billing system. The system is hardwired but has a battery backup for additional power. Mass flow data intervals are recorded every 5 minutes.
When is my bill issued?
Whether a customer is in Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, or another district, they receive bills on a predictable cycle and can reach out to their account manager or our customer service team if they have questions.
Your Meter & What It Measures
When steam enters a customer building it passes through a vortex meter— measuring both the pressure and flow of steam delivered to your building. The diagram below shows the full path: underground from our plant, through the Service Valve and Meter, up through the House Valve into your building, with condensate exiting via a separate line. Meter readings are recorded every 5 minutes.
Steam flow path from the Vicinity Energy plant to your building.
Vicinity's Bill Pay Portal
Our online bill pay portal makes managing your Vicinity Energy account simple, secure, and convenient. Through the portal, you can pay your bill, view invoices, update payment methods, and enroll in AutoPay.
The portal supports ACH debit and credit card payments. Customers who enroll in AutoPay enjoy the added convenience of having their bill automatically paid each month — either on the due date or on a specific day you select. AutoPay can be changed or canceled at any time.
Whether you’re looking to make a quick one-time payment or want to view your most recent billing statement, the Bill Pay portal is designed to give you flexibility and control.
Your Meter & What It Measures
Click any numbered icon on the bill image to learn more about that section. Each icon corresponds to an explanation in the panel on the right.
Bill Sections
At the top of your bill, you will find your invoice number. Please reference this number when making a payment or contacting customer service.
Below the invoice number, you will find your invoice summary. It contains your account number, account name, bill date, due date, and the total amount due.
This section shows where and how to submit payment. Payments should be made payable to Vicinity Energy Philadelphia, Inc. Please include the payment stub with your remittance to ensure timely processing.
The overnight payment address is the lockbox address customers can use to submit an overnight payment by mail if needed.
This section summarizes your rate schedule, service period, and demand charges. Demand charges are based on the level of steam capacity required to serve your facility — typically calculated using your highest steam demand during the billing period or a contractual minimum.
Key Definitions
- Rate Schedule
- Reflects the terms of your service agreement and determines how charges are calculated.
- Service Date
- The start and end dates of the billing period.
- Consumption
- Total steam used during the billing period, measured in thousand pounds (MLB).
- Demand Billed
- The level of steam capacity billed based on actual peak usage or a contractual minimum.
- Demand Measured
- The highest steam demand recorded by your meter during the billing period.
- Ratchet
- 90% of the greatest recorded demand during the preceding seven heating season months.
Your steam usage is calculated using meter readings taken at your facility. In most cases, meters will automatically send this data to our billing system. The bill shows the current and previous readings, along with any applicable constants or correction factors used to calculate total usage.
Key Definitions
- Constant
- A conversion factor that turns meter readings into billable steam usage.
- Correction
- An adjustment that helps ensure your usage is measured as accurately as possible.
Steam charges are made up of several components, including fuel charges, non-fuel charges, and demand charges. Your bill may also include taxes, surcharges, or contractual discounts depending on your agreement.
Key Definitions
- Fuel Charges
- Reflect the cost of fuel used to generate the steam delivered to your facility.
- Non-Fuel Charges
- Cover the costs of operating and maintaining the steam system serving your facility.
- Demand Charges
- Based on the level of steam capacity required to meet your facility's peak needs.
- Other Steam Recovery Charges
- A mixture of recoverable charges under our tariff related to the production of steam.
Carbon savings represent the difference between the emissions a building would generate using traditional on-site systems and the lower emissions associated with Vicinity's centralized district energy system.
The account summary shows your total charges for the current invoice, along with any balance carried over from a prior bill and payments received since the last billing cycle. The amount due and due date are shown to help you plan payment.
Common Billing FAQs
Billing
Have a question about your bill?
Your Account Manager is your first point of contact. You can also reach our 24/7 Philadelphia support line or contact us online.
