Notice of Rate Adjustment: Effective April 1, 2026
General Service, Seasonal and Small Commercial Rate Classes
| Customer Charge | Minimum Monthly Bill |
|---|---|
| $29 → $32 (single phase) | $35 → $38 (single phase) |
| $39 → $42 (three phase) | $45 → $48 (three phase) |
At Medina Electric Cooperative, we know that rate changes impact your household budget, and our Board does not make these decisions lightly. As a member-owned, not-for-profit utility, our goal isn't to make a profit for investors—it’s to provide you with safe, reliable power at the lowest possible cost.
While we have held our customer charge steady for the last nine years, the cost of the materials, equipment and infrastructure required to maintain our distribution grid has risen significantly. This adjustment ensures we can continue to invest in the reliability and safety you expect from us.
Why is this rate change happening now?
An independent cost-of-service study was conducted to review our costs. The results showed that our monthly base charge—the customer charge—was no longer covering the actual cost of maintaining the infrastructure needed to deliver power.
Major drivers of this change include:
- Higher material cost – The price of transformers, poles and wire has risen significantly.
- Grid modernization – Ongoing investments in new technology to improve reliability and safety.
- Inflation – Like your household, the co-op is facing higher costs for nearly every service we use.
How was the amount determined?
An independent consultant reviewed our financials to calculate the actual cost of serving our members. Our Board of Directors spent several months evaluating multiple scenarios to find the smallest possible increase that would still cover our operational needs. After careful review, a $3 increase to the monthly Customer Charge was selected as the most balanced and fair option for our members.
When was the last time the rates were changed?
The last time the Customer Charge was changed was April 2017.
A Minimum Bill Charge was implemented in January 2021.
How will this change affect my bill?
Members in these rate classes will see a $3 increase to the monthly Customer Charge for each meter. While the dollar amount is the same for everyone, the percentage impact depends on how much energy you use and your specific rate class.
What is the customer charge paying for?
The Customer Charge is a flat monthly fee that covers the fixed costs of bringing electricity to your meter. These costs are for the maintenance of infrastructure regardless of how much energy you use. It ensures that the equipment is safe, reliable and ready to work the moment you flip a switch.
What is a minimum monthly bill?
The minimum monthly bill requirement ensures that every account contributes enough to cover the basic cost of maintaining its connection to the power grid.
What are ways I can manage my bill?
The best way to save on your monthly bill is energy efficiency to reduce your energy consumption. Use the account management tool SmartHub to manage your account and monitor which appliances use the most energy. You can find energy-saving tips at MedinaEC.org/EnergySavings.
|
Customer Charge History General Service and Seasonal Rates* |
|
|
When
|
Amount (per meter) |
|
April 1, 2026 |
$32 – single-phase $42 – three-phase |
|
January 1, 2021 |
$29 – Customer Charge |
|
April 1, 2017 |
$29 |
|
March 1, 2014 |
$27.50 |
|
November 2009 |
$25 |
|
May 2007 |
$22.50 |
|
December 2002 |
$20 |
|
November 2002 and Prior |
$8.50 |
