West Central Electric Cooperative, Inc

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Rising costs create pressure on stability of electric rates

Thursday, 26 January 2012 11:07

For the past several months, West Central Electric Cooperative’s board of directors and management staff has been crunching numbers concerning operations, service and electric rates. Although cost-saving measures have been implemented where possible, directors and management have determined it will not be possible to get through 2012 without an increase in electric rates.

“We were able to make it through 2010 and 2011 without raising rates, but unfortunately, that will not be the case in 2012,” General Manager Mike Gray said. “Our board of directors is continuing to look very carefully at the numbers in order to implement the smallest possible increase while still allowing the cooperative to maintain our system and the level of service our members deserve and are accustomed to.”

Gray said the main factors driving the need for a rate adjustment are an increase over the past two years in the costs to supply electricity to members without an increase in revenue.

“With environmental regulations, increases in fuel costs, increases in materials used to maintain our system -- it is just too much to absorb,” he said.

Cooperatives all across the state are in the same boat, with many looking to increase rates in early 2012. West Central’s increase, although the amount is yet to be determined, is set to take effect in April.

“The good news is that this will be one of the most minimal rate increases we have experienced,” Gray said.

Members can watch the March issue of West Central Electric News for details on the final numbers.

2012 IS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF COOPERATIVES

Friday, 30 December 2011 09:36

Did you know that 2012 is the International Year of Cooperatives?

Did you know there are more than 900 electric cooperatives like West Central Electric serving 42 million people across 47 states?

That covers a lot of ground! And that's just the electric co-ops. Add in credit unions, housing, food, health, agricultural co-ops and more, and you'll discover more than 29,000 cooperative businesses nationwide. To learn more about how cooperative enterprises build a better world, visit www.go.coop.

HAPPY 2012!

Thursday, 29 December 2011 12:55

A reminder to our members -- WCE offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2012 holiday. Outage calls will be taken by dispatch 24/7 at 800-491-3803, and payments may be deposited in the drop boxes at either location or First Central Bank south location in Warrensburg.

Please remember that if you fill out an application for new service after 4 p.m. on Friday, December 30, you will not be contacted regarding your application and possible deposits due until Tuesday, January 2, 2012. Service can be connected on Wednesday, January 3.

If you need service connected sooner than this date, please be sure to get your application in earlier than the 4 p.m. deadline.

Stay Safe All Year Long

Friday, 17 June 2011 12:43

When a light goes out, it's hard not to notice the bulb needs to be replaced (unless you like to stay in the dark). But how can you tell if your power outlets are working properly? You don't want an electrical fire to serve as your wake-up call that's something is amiss.

"Many homes are equipped with new technologies to help prevent electrical fires and injuries," explains Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). "Unlike a light bulb that goes dark when it needs to be replaced, there may not be any indication when these safety features aren't working properly. That's why ESFI recommends testing them every month."