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Rates

Current Rates

Big Bend Electric Cooperative (BBEC) is proud to provide its members with some of the lowest electric rates in the country. The current national average for residential electric rates is approximately $0.18 per kilowatt-hour (including monthly base charges). BBEC’s new residential rate is $0.0827 per kilowatt-hour.

Rate Adjustment Notification

The Board has approved a 7% rate adjustment affecting all rate classes including residential, commercial and irrigation; the rate adjustment averages 7% but will impact each rate class differently.

The rate adjustment will be effective April 1, 2026.  With the exception of irrigation facilities charges (Horsepower Charges) will be effective February 1, 2026.

Rates & Charges Brochure (PDF) effective April 1, 2026*

Why are rates increasing?
  • Wholesale power cost has gone up $4.2 million annually, or 20%
  • Cost of materials and equipment have increased considerably (% increases below reflected over approx. 3 years)
    • Transformers: 109% – 171% (depending on size)
    • Wire: 75%
    • Conduit: 114%
    • Poles: 50%
  • Increasing compliance costs related to state regulations
How will the change affect my bill?
  • A typical residential household using 1,700 kWh of electricity monthly will see an increase of less than $16.24 per month or $0.54 per day.
  • A typical 100 horsepower irrigation account will see an overall increase of approximately $545 per year.
What is BBEC doing to mitigate costs?
  • Improving efficiencies: software upgrades, business process improvements, extending asset life
  • Collaborating with other co-ops to gain collective purchasing power
  • Lobbying for state and federal legislation to help keep costs low
  • Leveraging our financial strength to mitigate rate increases by utilizing debt in the near term
What can co-op members do to cut costs?
  • Be mindful of power usage; lower thermostat in winter/raise thermostat in summer
  • Keep trees and brush cut back from lines and rights-of-way
  • Take advantage of energy efficiency rebates to help conserve power
  • Apply for energy assistance

If you have questions regarding your bill or BBEC’s rates, please contact our billing department at (509) 659-1700 or (866) 844-2363.

Statistical data provided by the US Energy Information Administration.

(*) Denotes exception: Irrigation horsepower charges effective February 1, 2026.