The Power of Choice: New Rate Options Coming Soon!

By Ruth Marks, MVEA CEO | July 2026 CEO Article

As a member-owned cooperative, Mountain View Electric Association’s rate changes are designed to better control costs for everyone. As we have shared before, approximately 60 cents of every dollar MVEA collects goes directly toward purchasing power from our wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. We know that this cost is influenced not only by how much electricity is used, but also by when it is used and the level of demand placed on the electric system.

We also know that no two households use electricity the same way. Some members are home during the day, others use most of their energy in the evening, and some prefer a simple, predictable approach to managing their electric bill. That’s why we’re introducing new rate options later this year — giving members more flexibility, more control, and more choice.

Beginning this fall, residential and small power members will be able to choose from three rate options: the Demand Rate, the Time-of-Day Rate, or the Flat Rate. Each option offers different benefits depending on how and when electricity is used.

These new rate options are the result of extensive analysis by MVEA’s Board of Directors, staff, and an independent rate consultant. Together, we established several guiding objectives: fairness, member choice, simplicity, transparency, and better alignment between electricity use and costs. By offering multiple rate options, members can choose the approach that works best for their household while helping support more stable costs for the cooperative.

Starting with October’s use on November’s bill, the Demand Rate will become MVEA’s default residential and small power rate and reflects both the electricity used and the demand placed on the system during periods of high use. Bills will include a demand charge based on the highest one-hour period of electricity use during the month, Monday through Friday. On this rate, staggering your use and using electricity more evenly throughout the day may help lower your bill.

The Time-of-Day Rate rewards members who can shift energy use outside of peak evening hours, while the Flat Rate provides an option without demand charges or peak pricing. Members who opt-in to the Flat Rate will pay more because their electric use costs the co-op more.

To help members make an informed decision, MVEA will offer an open enrollment period from August through October 15. Educational resources and bill comparison tools will be available before enrollment begins. During that time, members can review their options and select the rate plan that best fits their household. Look for more information in future issues of this magazine, member emails, social media posts, and member town hall events.

To learn more today, see page 6, visit mvea.coop/rates, or call (800) 388-9881 to speak with a Member Services Representative. We’re committed to providing the information and resources you need to confidently choose the rate option that’s right for you.