Due to an increase in the cost of wholesale power, Black River Electric Cooperative is adjusting rates with bills due April 10th. Increasing demand for energy, and higher costs to generate it are pushing power costs higher.

The cost of power is BREC’s largest single expenditure by far. When that increase is combined with material costs which have risen as much as 120%, it requires BREC to adjust rates. The service availability charge will increase by $3 per month and kilowatt-hour costs will also increase slightly. Combined, the increase amounts to approximately thirty-three cents per day for a member using 1,500 kwh per month. Every rate class will experience an increase. A complete list of new rates is published on www.brec.coop/rates.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, BREC returns any margins to its members so there’s no incentive to raise rates more than necessary. “You can know that when costs go up, the purpose is not profit, but to ensure we can provide you with safe, reliable electricity every time you flip a switch.” says General Manager John Singleton. Despite this rate adjustment, BREC continues to have some of the lowest rates in the country and the cost of electricity remains a great value considering all the ways we depend on it.

BREC offers resources that help members take control of their energy bills. The Smarthub mobile app allows members to track their usage daily as well as provides an easy way to pay. “101 Easy Ways to Save Energy & Money” is a free brochure that helps remind members of simple ways to save energy. Download it from our website at www.brec.coop/energy-efficiency .

BREC offers a variety of payment options; members can choose one that works best for their budget. Prepaid Billing allows members to pay as they go. Monitor your energy use and add credit to the balance daily, weekly or monthly to match your budget. Budget Billing helps avoid bill fluctuations by taking an average of the previous 12 month’s usage and calculating an even monthly payment amount. EBill allows members to receive their monthly bill via email the same day it processes, allowing extra time to pay before the 10th.

For more information about the new rates effective in April, visit our website at www.brec.coop/rates.