I’m writing to you today about something that’s been weighing on my heart—the electric rate adjustment taking effect April 1. I wish I could tell you we found another way, but after more than a decade of holding rates steady, we’ve reached a point where this change is necessary to continue providing you with the reliable service you deserve.
Please know this decision was not made lightly. For years, our team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to absorb rising costs so you wouldn’t feel the impact. We’ve looked at every possible option, streamlined our operations, and done everything in our power to protect you from the significant price increases affecting utilities nationwide.
Here’s what we’re facing: this year alone, our wholesale power costs—the electricity we purchase on your behalf—are increasing by approximately $12 million. These aren’t charges we can negotiate or control; we simply pass them through at cost. We’ve absorbed these increases for as long as we possibly could, but continuing to do so would put the reliability of your electric service at risk, and that’s something we won’t compromise on.
I know many of you are already feeling the pinch of rising costs everywhere—at the grocery store, at the gas pump, in your monthly bills. We see it too, and we feel it in our own homes. Many of us on the JOEMC team are your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. We understand because we live it alongside you. That’s exactly why we’ve held off on this adjustment as long as we could, and why we’re keeping it as modest as possible while still ensuring we can keep your lights on reliably.
What makes us different from traditional utilities is that we’re not here to make profits for distant shareholders. We’re a not-for-profit cooperative, which means we exist solely to serve you. Every dollar you pay goes right back into maintaining the power lines, upgrading equipment, responding to storms, and supporting the programs that strengthen our community. You’re not just customers—you’re member-owners, and this cooperative is governed by a board of directors elected from right here in our community.
If you have questions about how this rate adjustment might affect your monthly bill, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our member services team is here to help you understand your bill, explore energy efficiency tips that can help lower your usage, and discuss budget billing options that can smooth out seasonal fluctuations. We want to work with you to find solutions that fit your unique situation.
As we move forward, I want you to know that our commitment to you remains unchanged. We’ll continue managing every dollar with care, investing wisely in the infrastructure that serves you, and looking for every opportunity to keep your rates as stable as possible in the years ahead.
Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most of all, for trusting us to power your homes and businesses. It’s a responsibility we hold dear, and we’re grateful every day for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community we all call home.