From Our Readers

MANAGING COSTS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Your not-for-profit electric cooperative only adjusts rates when absolutely necessary. A 2022 cost-of-service study indicates Blue Ridge Energy can no longer hold off an increase following nearly a decade of stable or reduced rates. During recent years, the cooperative has been pleased to be able to pass along temporary rate reductions to members.

Now, cost pressures including the rising cost of power, operational costs and a major transmission line upgrade to support reliability are driving a change.

As a result, Blue Ridge Energy members will soon see an average $5 a month increase in bills. The adjustment will be effective on bills received in October.

“It remains our commitment — and always will be — to provide the lowest cost, most reliable electricity possible,” said Doug Johnson, CEO. “We’ll continue to carefully manage costs, because we genuinely care about the people and communities we serve. It’s part of what makes a cooperative different from other utilities.”

Costs have increased over the past five years

POLES UP 10%

POWER LINES UP 30%

TRUCKS UP 22%

METERS UP 32%

The good news is the average cost of powering the home of a residential member is still under $4 a day* even after the increase. ,

Read more about this rate adjustment in the Membership Matters newsletter inside this issue.