There’s no such thing as fair. Fair is where you show your pig, right? Prices for food, medicine, fuel, clothing, and yes, electricity, don’t feel fair to anyone.
But costs are rising and we’re trying to manage the burden responsibly.
I don’t want to tell you that changes are coming to your electric bill. And you don’t want to hear it. But being transparent is part of our job as your co-op. We want you to know why changes are happening and what we’re doing to minimize the impact.
Why Are Rates Changing?
The short answer: it costs more to produce and transmit electricity than it did even a few years ago. Coal power plants are closing, new natural gas stations and solar farms are being built, and the transmission system that carries electricity to our communities must be upgraded. Regulations, fuel costs, and market prices are also changing. All of that adds up.
What makes us different from other utilities is our commitment to you. We exist for you and because of you. So, every dollar we collect is used to operate the utility or is returned to you and the communities we serve.
Steps We’re Taking to Minimize the Impact on You
- Working with Tri-State, our power supplier, to plan ahead so new generation and transmission projects are added responsibly, avoiding unnecessary costs.
- Applying for system upgrade grants to keep reliability high while controlling expenses.
- Studying rate structures that may help us save on wholesale power costs and spread costs more equally among members.
That last point is important. We’ve hired an independent firm to conduct a rate study. They are reviewing how we buy power, how members use it, and whether changes to the way rates are structured could lessen the impact of higher overall costs on you. For example, some options being considered would encourage shifting use away from hours when wholesale power costs are highest or an increase in the cost you pay per hour of electricity used. The study will help us identify the most cost-effective approach.
We’ll share the findings of the study, explain the options, and answer your questions during a rate hearing November 13. Decisions on what changes will be made and when they will go into effect will be announced in December.
This isn’t an easy message to deliver, but being open with you is part of being your co-op. We’ll keep you updated and hope you join the conversation as we plan for the future.
NOTICE: RATE HEARING
Thursday, November 13
6 p.m.
Huerfano County Community Center
928 Russell Street
Walsenburg, CO 81089
The San Isabel Electric Association, Inc. Board of Directors is hosting a hearing to discuss 2026 electric service rates with members. Any member may attend. A link to join the virtual meeting will be emailed November 10. Members may send comments on 2026 electric rates to contactus@siea.com or to:
San Isabel Electric Association
Attn: General Manager
781 E. Industrial Blvd.
Pueblo West, CO 81007
Purpose for adjustment: Costs of wholesale electric supply and infrastructure maintenance are increasing due to inflation and increased energy demand across the industry.
