First Rate Adjustment Implemented In 20 Years

On April 1, 2006, Access Energy Cooperative implemented our first rate adjustment in 20 years, approved by the Board of Directors on February 10, 2006. In order for us to continue to exceed our members' and customers' expectations for safe, reliable and efficient service, it is necessary to adjust our energy rates.

 

This adjustment is primarily attributed to a rise in purchased power costs.
The previous rate adjustment in 1985 was primarily generated by an increased demand for power and the need for an additional generation plant. Now, the steady growth in demand for electricity has once again resulted in the need for an additional power generation plant; and the cooperative will see an increase in our wholesale power costs.
 
We are also experiencing increased regulations requiring costly changes for Clean Air compliance. Access Energy Cooperative is very supportive of renewable energy and making positive environmental choices to help conserve our natural resources and reducing fossil fuel emissions for future generations. However, these choices are often very costly to implement.
 
Fuel costs to generate electricity are affecting your cooperative in the same manner they are affecting everyone else in the nation. Higher fuel costs, plain and simply, result in higher costs to produce our product.

While virtually all aspects of today's cost of living continue to rise, Access Energy Cooperative prides itself on having maintained stability in our rates for 20 years.
Access Energy Cooperative and its member-consumers have enjoyed one of the longest periods of rate stability in history. We've minimized increases by managing costs and implementing a number of cost-saving measures, strategic planning efforts and by passing on reductions in our cost of power from our wholesale providers.

How much will your bill be affected?
The effect of the increase on your bill will vary depending upon your usage. Following is the new rate schedule.

What is the fixed facilities charge?
The fixed facilities charge is a monthly fee billed for each active meter. It has not changed in 20 years to account for inflation. It is based on the fixed costs Access Energy Cooperative incurs to have facilities available in order to provide service to the meter, including costs for poles, wires, meters, billing processes, etc.

The fixed facilities charges were evaluated for each rate classification, and adjustments were made to the fixed facilities charges according to what it cost to serve each type of meter.

What can you do to keep your energy bills down?
Access Energy Cooperative offers a number of options to help member-consumers manage their power bills.  Some of those services that our member-consumers find valuable are:

• free energy audits with blower door testing
• automatic payment options
• budget billing
• rebates on energy efficient water heaters and heating equipment
• Low interest loan program for energy efficient improvements
• monthly newsletter articles on energy efficiency ideas
• a special energy saving section on our website. 

To learn more about those programs, or to obtain a written explanation of current rate schedules and charges, available without charge from our office, we encourage member-consumers to call us at 319-385-1577 or toll free at 1-866-242-4232.