KEC: About those rates

The Coeur d’Alene Press recently ran an article about Kootenai Electric Cooperative’s (KEC) rates and our Service Availability Charge. I’d like to provide additional context to that story.

KEC operates on a nonprofit basis and offers members some of the lowest rates in the nation. We are directly owned, governed and regulated by those we serve. Last month, a 4.5 percent rate increase to total revenues went into effect for KEC members. It was the result of a 7 percent power cost increase imposed in October 2015 by the Bonneville Power Administration. KEC absorbed the increase for a full year, but could no longer continue doing so. This is the first increase in three years.

KEC has also begun restructuring its rates. The utility market is rapidly transforming as “net-zero” building standards become more mainstream. This transformation is profoundly changing how customers use the electric grid and creates enormous challenges for utilities responsible for managing it. KEC believes these changes are both beneficial and necessary. KEC also believes the costs associated with this should be equitably shared. Our rate change ensures those adopting net-zero technology pay their share of maintaining the grid. It also ensures those who do not adopt these technologies do not overpay for the energy they consume.

I encourage readers, and in particular our members, to review the expanded explanation of our rates at www.KEC.com and to call us with questions. Our mission is to provide our members exceptional service and dependable electric power at competitive rates.

DOUG ELLIOTT

Kootenai Electric Cooperative

General Manager