WREA passes on wholesale rate increase for 2017

Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Rate stability remains a priority at White River Electric Association, but due to a wholesale rate increase by WREA’s power provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission, a 2017 rate increase could not be avoided.
“Tri-State let us know in September that we would have a 4.3 percent wholesale rate increase in 2017,” said WREA’s General Manager Alan Michalewicz. With that notice WREA focused on managing internal costs and took a conservative approach to the 2017 budget. “We hope for growth in 2017, but our electric loads remain down, so we are implementing cost saving measures and efficiencies at every turn.”
Despite its focus on managing internal costs, WREA reports that it will not compromise on safety, reliability or customer service. “Providing our members with safe and reliable electric service while remaining committed to member and community service is at the heart of what we do,” said Michalewicz.
The Tri-State Generation & Transmission wholesale rate increase will be passed through to WREA members resulting in an average retail rate increase of 3.6 percent. The residential increase will be $0.005/kWh. This equates to approximately a $3 a month increase for the average residential bill.
WREA’s new rates will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and members will receive a formal rate notice in this week’s mail. Members with questions, comments or concerns may call 970-878-5041 or go to www.wrea.org for more information.