Lower Valley Energy Electric Increase: The Rising Cost of Power

Posted: September 4, 2024

Afton, WYOMING – At the August Lower Valley Energy Board Meeting last Thursday, the Board approved an electric rate increase of 6% (depending on usage). The Board used a Cost of Service Analysis to give them guidance in making the decision. The rate increase comes in the form of an increase to the monthly base charge that residential and small commercial Lower Valley Energy members pay, regardless of how much energy is used, along with an increase in the energy charge to large commercial and industrial users.

As part of its fiduciary duty, the Lower Valley Energy Board predicts a $4.5 million shortfall without the increase to the monthly base and energy charges. The inflationary pressures along with the increase in our Tier 2 power has driven up costs.

The rate increase is effective October 1, 2024. We realize the impact any rate adjustment can have on you. As your energy provider, we want you to know we are doing everything we can to keep retail rates as low as possible while delivering safe and reliable service to you.

The last rate increase for electric Lower Valley Energy members was in 2017 and amounted to a 2.63% rate increase.

You are much more than a customer of Lower Valley Energy.  As a cooperative utility, you are an owner and member of Lower Valley Energy. Please let us know if you have any questions about the rate increase by calling 733-2446 (Jackson) or 885-3175 (Afton).

Also, please join us at our town hall style meetings on October 1 at our Jackson office at 7pm or on October 2 at our Afton office. We appreciate the opportunity to be your utility company and to serve you.