One of the most telling areas of shortfall during the recent rate study was lighting — security lighting, decorative subdivision lighting, member-owned street lighting, and traffic lighting.

The REMC has not implemented a distribution specific rate increase that was based on a Cost of Service study since 2008. In this time frame, the cost of lighting has increased significantly. In addition, the supply chain shortage has put additional pressure on the materials associated with maintaining this service. 

“Availability of material is hit and miss,” explained Allen Jones, vice president of engineering at Boone REMC. “We are doing our best to meet our members’ expectations but it’s getting more challenging every day.”

The approved rate change will be implemented over the next two years and will help to better offset the cost of lighting.