Dear Members,
Starting with April 2026 usage, we’re implementing a 7.5% electric rate increase across all electric rate classes. This change will be shown on the bill we mail to you on May 7. This is not a decision we make lightly — as a member-owned cooperative, we set rates to cover costs, not to generate profit. Here’s what’s driving this change and exactly what it means for your bill:
Why Are Rates Increasing?
The primary driver is the rising cost of wholesale power and transmission from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) — our electricity supplier. BPA costs make up roughly two-thirds of our total operating expenses, so their increases have a significant impact.
Recent BPA cost increases include:
- 6.13% wholesale power increase — October 2025
- 1.6% transmission rate increase — October 2025
- Additional 2% power cost adjustment — December 2025
Together, these changes will add an estimated $475,000 to our annual power supply costs in 2026. The 7.5% rate adjustment is designed to offset those increased costs, to address increasing costs of labor and materials, and to keep us on solid financial footing for the long term.
What does this mean for your bill?
For a typical residential member using 1,400 kWh per month, this change will add $10.70 to the monthly bill.
For perspective: A Pacific Power customer using the same 1,400 kWh pays approximately $74 more per month than our current rate, and will pay about $63 more after the change. Our rates remain highly competitive in the region.
Updated Rates by Service Class
The following rate adjustments apply to each service class, effective on your May 7, 2026 bills.
Residential & Small Commercial — 1 Phase
Residential & Small Commercial — 3 Phase
Frost Fans
Large Commercial
Irrigation
Yard Lights
Our Financial Responsibility to You
As your member-owned cooperative, we set rates to cover costs — nothing more. Electric cooperatives typically target a modest operating margin to maintain healthy equity, meet lender requirements, and ensure reliability when unexpected costs arise.
This rate adjustment is projected to produce an operating margin of approximately $175,000 to protect our financial health while providing the funding we need to serve you reliably and sustainably for years to come.
If you have questions about your bill or how this change affects your account, please reach out to us at (541) 354-1233 or billing@hoodriver.coop.
Thank you for your continued membership and trust.