New Rates Start Jan. 1, 2026
At a regular meeting on December 16, the Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) Board of Directors approved a rate increase.
The average impact across all member classes is a 7.49% increase.
The rate increase includes:
· A $7.50 increase to residential single-phase (RES10) access fees. The new access fee is $37.00 per month.
· Elimination of time-of-use (TOU) rate class. The current power supply contract does not offer time-based cost savings, resulting in the need to subsidize TOU rates. Eliminating TOU makes rates more equitable for all members.
· Increase in access fees for small commercial and three-phase residential rates.
· Increases in large commercial and industrial energy and demand charges.
· The new rates and changes for all rate classes are available at dmea.com/rates.
Earlier this year, the Board and staff began reviewing DMEA’s operating costs, maintenance needs, and long-term financial outlook as part of our annual planning process. Board and staff determine that a rate increase is necessary to offset inflation on operational costs. As part of the rate hearing on Dec. 16, members shared thoughtful feedback that helped inform discussions around rate design, timing, and the importance of member assistance programs.
“We are grateful to the members who reached out to provide input. All the feedback we received was read, discussed, and considered,” said DMEA Board President Stacia Cannon. “We also recognize that time-of-use rates should have been reevaluated sooner. As our power supply costs have evolved, it has become clear that TOU pricing no longer reflects how costs are incurred today. This decision reflects our responsibility to correct that misalignment and ensure fairness for all members, while maintaining the long-term reliability and financial health of the cooperative.”
The approved rate adjustment supports DMEA’s responsibility to meet debt covenants, invest in essential infrastructure, and maintain safe and reliable electric service for all members, while balancing the impacts across rate classes.
The new rates will take effect January 1, 2026, and members will see them reflected on their February bills.
Assistance programs are available for members who may need help paying their electric bills. More information is available at dmea.com/assistance-programs.
To view the rate presentation, please visit the December Board packet in the documents tab in SmartHub at https://dmea.smarthub.coop. Additional details about the updated rates can be found at dmea.com/rates. Board members may be reached here.
