At CCEC, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our rates reflect the actual cost of delivering electricity, including wholesale power purchases, system maintenance, and a small margin to maintain financial stability.
In 2026, the co-op expects wholesale power costs to increase 11.88% compared to the 2025 budget. As a result, beginning in January, members will see a Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) charge of $15.25 per 1,000 kWh on their monthly bill. The average member will pay $9.25 more per 1,000 kWh in 2026. This charge goes directly toward covering the increased cost of purchasing wholesale power.
The WPCA adjustment is a tool the cooperative uses to either collect additional funds or provide credits in response to significant changes in wholesale power costs without altering the member’s base rate. This adjustment reflects the difference between budgeted and actual wholesale power expenses. Given that wholesale power accounts for 68% of the cooperative’s operating costs, it significantly influences the overall actual cost of providing electricity to our members.
The WPCA is temporary and will adjust as wholesale power costs change. If the cost of power decreases, the WPCA will decline or be removed; if costs continue to rise, the charge may increase.
How does CCEC compare to other utilities?
Despite rising wholesale power costs, CCEC’s rates remain lower than other service providers in our area.
Why are costs rising?
Rising infrastructure costs. Even with easing inflation, years of higher prices for equipment and materials are now baked into every part of the grid. Transformer and overhead conductor costs have climbed more than 50% in five years, and a line truck that cost $250,000 in 2020 will top $310,000 in 2026, before additional outfitting.
Generation transition. North Carolina’s 2021 clean-energy law set long-term goals to shift generation toward carbon-free resources while keeping power affordable. Duke Energy’s plans include retiring coal plants and adding more solar and wind, which require backup capacity like batteries or fast-start natural gas units. These replacements and new backup systems have driven major infrastructure investments and higher costs. Last year, lawmakers eased the pace of the transition by removing the intermittent carbon-free threshold, helping moderate future wholesale power costs.
Increased demand. After two decades of ample supply and efficiency-driven lower usage, electricity demand in the U.S. is now climbing due to heat pumps, EVs, large commercial loads, and rapidly expanding data centers. This surge in demand, combined with the generation transition and rising infrastructure costs, is creating significant upward pressure on overall power costs.
How is CCEC controlling costs?
CCEC continues to take deliberate steps to control costs and protect members from the full impact of rising wholesale power prices. Current efforts include:
- Reducing internal operating expenses through process efficiencies and careful budgeting.
- Strengthening system maintenance programs to prevent costly outages and extend equipment life.
- Investing in grid modernization technologies to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Working with other co-ops to secure grant funding to harden infrastructure.
- Coordinating closely with North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) to manage power supply, secure affordable resources, and reduce peak-time expenses.
- Engaging state and federal policymakers to advocate for reliable, affordable energy policy.
Ways to Manage Your Energy Usage
Members can help offset rising costs by taking energy efficiency steps.
- Contact us to schedule a free home energy audit. By evaluating the amount of energy your home uses and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, you can reduce energy costs.
- Join hundreds of other CCEC members who have signed up to receive Beat the Peak alerts. Participating members are notified by text message of upcoming peak usage periods. These periods occur most often between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the winter and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. And they don’t happen every day. Peak periods will occur approximately 3 to 5 times per month, depending upon the temperatures. When you receive an alert, we ask that you reduce your usage during peak hours.
- Monitor your daily energy usage through PowerPay24.
- Understand your home's energy users and losers to reveal ways to save.
- Install a smart thermostat and save up to 10% on your electric bill. Already own a smart thermostat? Consider participating in CCEC's Connect to Save program.
- Look for the EnergyStar logo when replacing appliances and electronics.
- For additional ways to save, click here.