Board Approves Rate Increase Effective April 1

On April 1, 2008, Access Energy Cooperative will implement an increase in rates. We place a strong emphasis on providing you with exceptional service, and we only consider an adjustment when we really have to. To maintain the safety, quality, reliability and integrity of the services we provide, it is necessary for us to adjust our pricing structure this year.

The average 8.78% increase is based on numerous factors, the largest of which is an increase in the cost of purchased power as recently announced by the cooperative’s power supplier  Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI). The largest factors driving this increase in wholesale power costs involve:
 • Soaring natural gas and coal prices
 • Escalating environmental compliance costs
 • Increased demand for electricity resulting in the need for construction of a new
   coal-fired power plant.

Maintaining dependable service at the most affordable price possible remains the cornerstone of our business. To accomplish this goal, we must also protect the integrity and financial stability of our organization.

We are committed to providing you with safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible electric service. If you are interested in asking us to assist you in finding ways to save energy in your home, we can provide a free energy audit and we also have
low-interest loans available for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements. To assist you with easier bill management we offer a budget billing program and auto payment plan. Please call us today if we can help you find ways to make your bill lower.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of this rate adjustment, we encourage you to call our office at 1.319.385.1577 or toll-free at 1.866.242.4232. Please see the General Manager’s comments on page 2 for more information.