Jasper County REMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, and our mission has always been to provide reliable, affordable service to our members. As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping you informed, I want to share some important news regarding our rates.

After thorough cost-of-service and rate studies conducted by industry experts, it has become clear that a rate adjustment will be necessary. The increase will likely be implemented in the early spring of this year. While the exact amount of the increase is still under review, I want to assure you that our dedicated team, including the board of directors and staff, is working diligently to keep the increase as low as possible. As a not-for-profit cooperative, our goal is not to generate profit but to cover the actual costs of providing service and to ensure long-term sustainability for our cooperative. It’s been over a decade since we last implemented a rate increase — other than adjustments to facility charges — which is a testament to our diligence in managing costs and operating efficiently.

These rate studies help us assess the cost of delivering electricity and maintaining the infrastructure supporting our communities. With rising costs in areas such as energy procurement, regulatory requirements, materials, and necessary system upgrades, an adjustment is essential to continue meeting the growing needs of our members while keeping service reliable and efficient.

I understand that rate increases can be a concern, and I want to emphasize that our cooperative’s leadership is focused on finding the most balanced and equitable solution. Any increase will be based solely on what is necessary to ensure we can continue delivering the high-quality service you expect. I’d like to emphasize that we do not seek to generate a financial surplus; instead, our goal is simply to cover operational costs and reinvest in the cooperative to serve you better.

We will continue to update you throughout this process. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated, and we remain dedicated to providing exceptional service while minimizing any financial burden this adjustment may cause. As always, we thank you for being a member of Jasper County REMC and look forward to serving you for many years to come.