At CCEC, we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to our members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, our rates are based on the actual cost of
providing electricity—factoring in wholesale power, maintaining our system, and a small margin for financial stability.
Unfortunately, the cost of wholesale power—the largest portion of our operating costs—has increased more than originally forecasted. The change is due to the increasing cost of power generation, transmission, and the overall rise in the demand for electricity.
In January, CCEC members saw a Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) charge of $1 per 1,000 kWh; that charge increased to $4 per 1,000 kWh in June. Beginning with September's bills, CCEC members will have a WPCA charge of $6.00 per 1,000 kWh. The WPCA is a charge that goes directly to pay for the increasing cost of power.
With the WPCA increase and current summer rates, an average residential member using 1,000 kWh per month will see a monthly increase of $2.00 in their September and October electric bills. Winter rates will return on November 1, reducing the kWh charge to .0901¢. The average member using 1,000 kWh will see a decrease of $9.70 on November's bill.
The WPCA is a temporary charge, but cooperative officials expect it will continue through 2025 because of rising energy costs. If wholesale power costs drop, the charge may decrease or end; if those costs keep climbing, the charge could increase.
CCEC routinely works with state and federal elected officials regarding energy policy to maintain affordable and reliable electricity. In addition, the co-op strives to shield members from the extreme rising costs over the past few years with internal efforts to trim operating costs.
Members can help offset rising costs by taking energy efficiency steps. CCEC members can get efficiency tips, energy savings ideas, and other tools and programs at ccemc.com/MyHome.