• The rate increase will take effect on January 1, 2026. 
  • A cost-of-service study and proposed rate design was completed for our cooperative by industry experts at PSE, an independent organization that serves utilities across North America. The objective of the rate design was to ensure that rates are fair, equitable, and financially adequate. The rate design also aimed to recover revenue to meet MPE’s operational needs as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative.
  • To help stabilize wholesale power costs, MPE spent the previous several years exploring alternate power supply options. In January 2023, MPE provided Tri-State Generation and Transmission the required 2-year notice to terminate its wholesale power contract, effective Feb. 1, 2025. MPE secured a rate stable power purchase agreement with Guzman Energy to follow its exit from Tri-State. Although power supply costs represent a majority of MPE’s budget, operational and capital costs – all the people and resources it takes to keep our grid reliable and safe – are critical budgetary considerations as well. 
  • Because of the rising costs resulting from inflation, the 7-year gap from 2016-2023 of no rate increases at MPE, and continuing cost pressures on equipment, materials, labor, and transmission, a rate increase was anticipated, which is also a nationwide trend. MPE’s wholesale power costs are set by a long-term contract that includes pre-determined rates through 2045. This helps to insulate our members from any price swings in the power market.

  • The average residential electric bill will increase by approximately $8.95 monthly. 

  • The average residential kWh usage over the past 12 months is 750 kWh/month. At the current rate: $0.12690 x 750 kWh = $95.18 + $38.32 SAF = average monthly bill of $133.50.  At the new rate: $0.13750 x 750 kWh = $96.25 + $39.32 SAF = $142.45. 

  • In aggregate, total rate increases amongst rate classes will result in an overall required 6.8% increase in revenue. Individual rate classes will be impacted differently. The rate classes were finalized and the Board approved revisions to Tariff Section II: Rate Schedules at the Nov. 13 meeting. The proposed tariff revisions are available for review at MPE offices – 321 W. Agate Ave. in Granby and 600 3rd Street in Walden – or online at www.mpei.com/rates-tariffs. 

  • MPE’s new residential electricity charge of $0.13750 kWh, to become effective Jan. 1, 2026, is well below both the Colorado electric utility rate from September 2024 of $0.15030 kWh and the national average from that same month of $0.1683 kWh. (data from U.S. Energy Information Administration)  

  • A rate discount program was created for those who may be disproportionately impacted by any rate changes. The income-qualified financial assistance pilot program – BOOST (Benefiting Our Own in our Service Territory) – took effect on Feb. 1, 2025. MPE is partnering with Mountain Family Center, which provides services throughout Grand and Jackson counties, to qualify members who may be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligible members will receive a 20% discount on their monthly bills. Eligible members who enroll in MPE’s prepay program will get an additional 5% discount, for a total discount of 25% monthly. The pilot will run through June 2026. More info to be available soon at MPE and the Mountain Family Center.

  • MPE will continue to share with its members tips on how to save energy, cut costs and find energy assistance resources for those in need. Below are links to assist with energy efficiency/management:

  • For more info, please contact MPE at memberservices@mpei.com or 970-887-3378. 
     

MORE BILLING QUESTIONS?

We are a consumer-owned electric cooperative, here to serve you. For additional information, please call our customer service department at (970) 887-3378, EXT 3.