White River to increase electric rates 9%

Branson-based rural electric service White River Valley Electric Cooperative Inc. will implement a 9 percent rate increase beginning March 1.

Effecting about 42,000 customers in Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone and Taney counties, the increase to 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour from 8.95 cents will add about $10 to the average residential customer's bill to cover a rise in wholesale costs, according to a news release.

“Although a rate increase is never a popular decision, there are times when a rate adjustment is necessary to maintain the financial stability of the cooperative,” CEO Chris Hamon said in the release, adding White River is a not-for-profit organization and did not adjust rates to generate profits.

Additionally, the minimum bill will change to $28 from $25, and White River will no longer give 20 kilowatt hours the minimum bill, but rather customers will be charged the standard base rate per hour.

The last White River rate adjustment was in 2009, when rates increased by 8 percent. Since then, the cooperative reports to have experienced a rise in wholesale costs and mild weather, which led to less kilowatt hour sales, forcing it to spread cost over less revenue. Material and fuel costs are also on the rise, and most recently the Feb. 29, 2012, Leap Day tornado caused damage to the White River coverage area, the release said.  

March bills will be prorated and April statements will reflect the new base rate.[[In-content Ad]]