After Six Years of No Increases: DMEA Rate Hearing Scheduled
Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) is proposing changes to its rate tariff to take effect January 1, 2026. The proposed change, currently under review by DMEA’s Board of Directors, is driven by the rising costs in recent years of providing safe and reliable power.
The proposal includes increasing the standard single-phase residential access charge from $29.50 to $37 monthly, a fixed-price change of $7.50 per month. Electric charges are calculated based on access charges (the cost of maintaining the distribution grid) and energy charges (the cost to deliver energy consumed). DMEA is not proposing a change to the energy rate for the residential rate class.
The proposed rate tariff changes include energy and access charge increases for other rate classes, such as small commercial, large commercial, industrial, irrigation, and municipal single-phase. Additionally, residential and small commercial time-of-use rates will be discontinued. The proposed rate changes were designed to provide fairness to members and represent a 7.49% increase for the entire membership base.
“Despite more than a 25% inflation increase since 2019, DMEA has been able to keep rates stable for six years thanks to the dedicated work by our team to manage expenses,” said DMEA Chief Executive Officer Jack Johnston. “Unfortunately, like most industries, we have also seen a continued rise in our costs of operational expenses. In addition, ongoing infrastructure maintenance drives our need to raise rates to ensure the reliability of our grid and continue to provide the quality service our members deserve.”
Since 2020, DMEA has made several strategic decisions to stabilize rates, reduce wholesale power costs, and expand local renewable generation.
“This wasn’t an easy decision to move forward with a rate increase proposal—we understand the economic challenges our members are already facing,” said Board President Stacia Cannon. “As a member-owned cooperative, our focus isn’t profit; it’s keeping the lights on, safely and reliably. This proposed rate adjustment is a careful step to cover higher costs for materials, equipment, and operations so we can continue providing the dependable service our members count on.”
As part of the regularly scheduled board meeting on Dec. 16, DMEA will host a Rate Hearing at 6:00 p.m. at the Montrose office (11925 6300 Road, Montrose). Members may make comments in-person at the Rate Hearing, mail comments to DMEA attn: Rates, 11925 6300 Road, Montrose, CO 81401 before Dec. 10, fill out an online comment form at dmea.com/rates, or email rates@dmea.com before Dec. 10th at 5:00 pm.
After reviewing and discussing member comments at the hearing, the board may vote on the proposed increase. If approved, the proposed rate changes will take effect January 1, 2026. For more information on the proposed rate changes, please visit dmea.com/rates. Assistance programs are available for members who may need help paying their electric bills at dmea.com/assistance-programs.
