Tri-County Electric remains steadfast in maneuvering through a dynamic landscape shaped by persistent cost pressures that are fueled by inflation, interest rates, wholesale power hikes, and supply chain issues.  Recognizing the considerable trust our members place in us to manage their finances responsibly, we keep this commitment at the forefront of our decisions. In November, we made adjustments to our rate structure, introducing a demand rate and enhancing our service availability charge. This allows us to bill the same way we are billed from our power supplier. 

Tri-County Electric operates as a non-profit utility, and our rate structure is carefully crafted to gather only the essential funds required for the upkeep of our distribution system. We aim to maintain sufficient operating margins to guarantee reliability, safety, and cost-effective power. This essential rate adjustment is intended to provide our members with insights into their power consumption patterns and optimal usage times. Over time, our members will gain a comprehensive understanding of how their power usage contributes to the overall stability of the power grid.

We know that the impact of a rate increase can affect our membership financially. Keep in mind, there are state and local assistance programs available for those who qualify. We will be happy to provide those agencies with the required documentation, just call and let us know. 

While rising costs seem beyond our control, our own energy usage is not. We encourage all of our members to be mindful of the ways they use electricity on a daily basis. Follow us on social media for energy efficiency tips. Please know we are doing all we can as a rural cooperative to evaluate all portions of our business to realize any and all cost saving measures. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. Our phone number is 660-457-3733.