Powered by Purpose: 2026 Rate Changes Announced

By Ruth Marks, MVEA CEO

At Mountain View Electric Association, we know that safety, reliability, affordability, and transparency matter to our members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we don’t answer to shareholders—we answer to you. That guiding principle shapes every decision we make, especially when it comes to balancing rising costs with long-term rate stability.

Last month, we shared that our wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, had proposed a rate increase for 2026. Those rates have been approved and Tri-State will be increasing their wholesale power rate by 7.5% beginning January 1, 2026. Because wholesale power represents about 62% of our operating expenses, this increase directly impacts the cooperative.

In addition to the Tri-State rate increase, as shown in the infographic below, the cost of essential equipment has increased dramatically. Paired with additional rate pressures from soaring energy use, inflation, tariffs, and interest rates, the cost of providing safe and reliable power has risen for utilities across the nation.

At MVEA, we have also increased investments in reliability, technology enhancements, network operations improvements, substation maintenance, and wildfire mitigation efforts. We have worked hard to offset these rising costs; however, the wholesale power increase paired with inflationary pressure is too large to absorb without rate changes.

After careful review, MVEA’s Board of Directors approved an 8.5% rate increase across all rate classes, effective with January usage on bills due February 2026. For the average residential member using 900 kWh per month, the change represents an increase of about $11.90 per month.

To ensure fairness across all rate classes, MVEA worked with an independent consultant to complete a Cost-of-Service Study (COSS), which analyzed what it costs to serve each member class. The new rates reflect the findings of the study while keeping MVEA’s rates competitive with other Colorado utilities. We’re also researching a new rate structure that may help lower bills for members who shift energy use to off-peak hours—because when power is used is just as important as how much is used.

We recognize that any rate increase can be challenging. That’s why we’re focused on helping members manage their energy use and monthly bills. Through SmartHub you can monitor usage by the day or hour. You can also use our online bill calculator, enroll in Auto-Pay or Paperless Billing for monthly credits, and explore energy efficiency rebates or our On-Bill Repayment program for home upgrades and energy audits. Assistance is also available through Operation Round Up®, Energy Outreach Colorado, and other local programs.

During an era of rising costs, MVEA remains committed to sound business practices and competitive rates to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. Everything we do is rooted in reliability and powered by purpose to serve our members, neighbors, and communities.

To learn more about MVEA’s rates and to use our online bill calculator, visit www.mvea.coop/rates. For additional resources to save energy and money, visit www.mvea.coop/energy-resource-center.