New Rate Options Launched: Helpful Resources & Support
Over the past several months, we have shared information about Mountain View Electric Association’s new rate options and the reasons behind the rate structure changes. Now, those new rates are in effect with October energy use and appear for the first time on bills received in November.
The majority of residential and small power members chose to remain on the Demand Rate, which is the default option, and most members are expected to see little or no change in their bill. No matter which rate option you selected, our commitment remains the same: to provide reliable electric service while giving you information, tools, and resources to help you understand and manage your electric use.
As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, MVEA’s rate structure is designed to better reflect how the cost of providing electricity occurs while helping us manage costs for all members. Approximately 60 cents of every dollar MVEA collects goes toward purchasing power. Increasingly, those costs are influenced not only by how much electricity is used, but also by when it is used and how much is needed at the same time. Our new rate options provide greater alignment between electricity use and costs while giving members choices based on how they use electricity.
When you receive your first bill under the new rates, you will notice additional billing details specific to your rate that help make your monthly bill easier to read and understand, including the calculations behind your electric charges. And if you have questions, our dedicated Member Services Representatives are available to walk through your bill with you.
We also have tools and programs to help you manage your electric use and costs throughout the year.
SMARTHUB ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
Online account management through SmartHub is a great tool to help you monitor your electric use. With daily and hourly energy reads available, you can pinpoint high energy use times so you can avoid them in the future. Visit mvea.coop/payment-options to learn more about SmartHub.
ON-BILL REPAYMENT UPGRADES & ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATES
We encourage members to take a closer look at MVEA’s On-Bill Repayment and Energy Efficiency Rebate programs. Both are made possible through a partnership with our power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and help MVEA members make meaningful upgrades to save energy and money. Learn more about these programs at mvea.coop/energy-resource-center.
MVEA’S WEBSITE
Explore MVEA’s “Save Energy & Money” website section. Many members find these tools helpful in identifying high energy use sources in their home. Get started at mvea.coop/save-energy-money.
While these are great programs to help co-op members save energy and money, if you have specific questions about your energy use or your bill, the best resource is MVEA’s team of Member Services Representatives. Please don’t hesitate to call (800) 388-9881. We are here to help.
By Ruth Marks, MVEA CEO
