courtesy Paris Daugherty
During San Isabel Electric’s November 2023 San Isabel Electric Association’s Board of Directors Meeting, the board approved changes to rates, programs, and tariffs aimed at ensuring reliable electric service and reducing power costs for members. Tri-State Generation & Transmission, SIEA’s power supplier, anticipates a 6.8% increase in power costs due to rising material, supply, and labor expenses. Both Tri-State and San Isabel Electric are not-for-profit cooperatives, relying on member rates to cover costs.
Starting January 1, 2024, there will be a $5 increase in the monthly grid access charge for residential accounts, including net-metering accounts, bringing it to $30.00. The Board committed not to exceed a $35.00 monthly grid access charge by 2027. Internally, we’ve adjusted our budget to maintain safe, reliable electricity without additional increases in 2024.
Although inflation has led to increasing costs in many areas of our lives, the cost of powering your home has risen slowly when compared to other common goods. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Consumer Price Index, the cost of milk and bread have risen by more than 5.5% and the cost of gasoline and butter have risen 6.1% in the last five years. The average cost of electricity at San Isabel Electric has only risen 1.06% in eight years (including 2024), showcasing our efforts to keep expenses down. We remain committed to maintaining infrastructure, investing in grid protection, rapid outage responses, and excellent member service.
Looking to 2024, we’re introducing a budget billing option for members to spread electricity costs evenly throughout the year. Enhanced flexibility and cost-saving opportunities are available for adding battery energy storage. Our updated renewable energy credits program makes renewable energy affordable for those hesitant to install systems. And, our Energy Services team is always available to help you with energy efficiency!
Your feedback is crucial. Quarterly surveys gather insights for improvement. Reach out at contactus@siea.com, visit us, or call 800-279-SIEA (7432). Thank you for letting us serve you!
