This change will increase the service availability fee on your monthly bill by $1, and the kWh hour charge by two-tenths of a penny. The difference for an average residential member is $4.00 per month total.

These changes will go into effect on April 1, 2023.

Overall, costs are increasing. The cost of energy is rising at an accelerated rate while at the same time costs associated with operating and maintaining electrical distribution systems are increasing. High fuel costs, limited labor pools, long delays for basic construction materials and through-the-roof vehicle pricing have enormous impacts on a not-for-profit’s bottom line.

We are implementing a $00.002 rate increase on residential rates and a $1 increase in the service availability fee. For the average household, the impact will be an additional $4 a month. The small commercial oil and gas rate and the medium power oil and gas rate will also be impacted.

Central is one of the lowest cost cooperatives in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma is the 5th lowest ranked state when it comes to energy costs.

The service availability fee pays for a small portion of Central’s fixed costs. An example of Central’s fixed costs include operations and maintenance, administration, member communications and support, depreciation and costs for billing. In order for Central members to be charged an equitable rate no matter what rate class they belong to, such as residential, commercial or industrial, the cooperative must recover a portion of its fixed costs through the service availability fee. The fee is designed to more fairly have all members pay a nominal baseline amount for providing electric services.

We continually re-evaluate how we operate to ensure the most cost- and time-efficient methods are in use. We’ve minimized increases thus far by increasing our productivity and staying up to date on technology that helps us be more efficient.

In short, we do not know when another rate increase will be implemented. Lots of things come into play that can affect rates. Many of these are unplanned and can be tied to major weather events, rising costs and inflation. We promise to do our best to minimize the impact of these issues by being proactive in our planning and focusing on the maintenance and hardening of our system.

One of the best ways to keep your energy costs low is to ensure your home is energy efficient. Central offers free home energy audits to its members and rebates on energy efficient appliances. Central also offers several energy efficiency tips and resources throughout the year via its website and monthly newsletter. Energy conservation can also be accomplished by implementing several small things that add up, such as:

• Turning off lights and ceiling fans in rooms that are not being used.
• Adjusting your thermostat up two to three degrees in the summer and down in the winter.
• Opening your blinds and curtains during the day and closing them at night.