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2026 Rate Adjustment: The Power of Choice
A majority of MVEA’s costs are tied to purchasing power from Tri-State. Those costs are influenced not only by how much electricity is used, but also when it is used and the demand placed on the system. Much of our cost as an electric cooperative is now driven by our peak demand, not our total energy use. Aligning rates with those costs helps keep rates fair and more stable for all members.
What’s Changing?
- Effective with October use on November bills, MVEA Residential and Small Power members will have three rate options to choose from, allowing them to select the option that best fits their lifestyle and energy use habits. Open enrollment runs August 1 through October 15. Other rate classes are also changing. Please see specific rates below for more information.
- Residential and Small Power members can choose from the default Demand Rate, the Time-of-Day Rate, or the Flat Rate. All Residential and Small Power accounts will default to the Demand Rate effective with October use on November bills.
- Approximately 80% of residential members are expected to see little or no change under the Demand Rate. Residential members who regularly use several large appliances at the same time may see higher bills, while those who shift and stagger use throughout the day may see savings.
Rate Comparison Tool
Use the Rate Comparison Tool to see how your bill may have looked under each new rate based on your recent energy use. Compare your options and choose the best rate that fits your lifestyle. This tool helps you make an informed decision based on your actual use history (April 2025 – April 2026).
Resources
Member Resources
- SmartHub is MVEA’s bill payment and account management tool that makes it easy for members to monitor and manage electric use by the day and hour. Members can also find an overview of this information on their bill.
- Enroll in bank draft Auto-Pay or Paperless Billing. Enroll in both to save $1.00 per month.
- Check out our Energy Resource Center webpage. We offer rebates and incentives, energy-efficiency tips, tools, and calculators.
- Save today with an energy audit by upgrading to high-efficiency energy products through our On-Bill Repayment program.
Member Assistance
Member Communications
MVEA has been discussing rate pressures and possible changes since early 2023 in Colorado Country Life Magazine, community events, member meetings, and more. Below are recent communications about MVEA’s 2026 rate changes.
Rate Change Legal Notice
October 2026 Rules & Regulations
- 16.01 Residential Demand Rate (PDF)
- 16.02 Residential Time-Of-Day Rate (PDF)
- 16.03 Residential Flat Rate (PDF)
- 16.04 Residential AMI Opt-Out Rate (PDF)
- 16.05 Residential Prepaid Rate (PDF)
- 16.06 Residential Net Metering Rate (PDF)
- 16.07 Non-Metered Residential Temporary Rate (PDF)
- 17.11 Irrigation Rate (PDF)
- 17.12 Municipal Water Pumping Rate (PDF)
- 18.20 Small Power Demand Rate (PDF)
- 18.21 Small Power Time-Of-Day Rate (PDF)
- 18.22 Small Power Flat Rate (PDF)
- 18.23 Small Power Net Metering Rate (PDF)
- 19.30 Large Power Rate (PDF)
- 19.31 Large Power Primary Metering Rate (PDF)
- 19.32 Large Power Net Metering Rate (PDF)
- 19.33 Large Power Energy-Only Rate Closed to New Members (PDF)
- 20.40 Industrial Power Rate (PDF)
- 20.41 Schriever Space Force Base Rate (PDF)
- 20.42 Industrial Power Under Special Contract Extension Rate (PDF)
- 20.43 Industrial Power Sales for Resale Wholesale Energy Rate (PDF)
- 22.50 Outdoor Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 22.51 Incorporated Municipalities Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 22.52 Agate, Elbert, Matheson & Peyton Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 22.53 Member-Owned Fixtures Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 22.54 Member-Owned & Maintained Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 22.55 Colorado Centre Metropolitan Service District Lighting Rate (PDF)
- 23.60 Renewable Resource Rate (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
General Rate Change FAQ’s
How and when will the change affect my bill?
- Effective with October use on November bills, Residential and Small Power members will have the power of choice to select the rate plan that works best for their lifestyle. Open enrollment begins August 1.
- Unlike past rate adjustments that focused solely on the energy charge, this amendment introduces rate elements that begin to more accurately reflect our rising infrastructure and transmission costs, such as a monthly Demand charge and peak use windows. Members will now have more ability to control their energy use and potentially lower their electric bill.
What are my rate choices?
Residential members may select from three rate options to the best fit for their lifestyle: the default Demand Rate, the Time-of-Day Rate, and the Flat Rate.
- Residential Demand Rate (default rate).
- On this rate, members will pay a Demand charge each month based on their single highest one-hour period of electricity use during the month, Monday – Friday, excluding select holidays. (Holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).They will see an Energy Charge (kWh) and a Demand Charge (kW) on their monthly bill. This will become the default rate for all Residential members.
- Time-Of-Day Rate.
- This rate allows members to save by using electricity during Off-Peak hours. On-Peak hours are from 5 – 9 p.m., Monday – Friday. Off-Peak hours are before 5 p.m. and after 9 p.m., Monday – Friday. Weekends and holidays* are also Off-Peak hours. (*Holidays include: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
- Flat Rate.
- A simple rate with a higher energy charge.
- This rate does not include a Demand charge or a difference in On-Peak or Off-Peak charges.
How do I enroll in my selection?
Members may change their rate selection anytime, once every 12 months after first enrollment, beginning August 1, 2026.
Members can request the change in SmartHub or by calling our Member Services department at (800) 388-9881.
To request the change in SmartHub:
- On the homepage of SmartHub in the left navigation menu, select Submit an Inquiry.
- From the drop-down menu, select Rate Selection Form.
What if I want to change rates more than once per year?
To provide billing consistency and help members accurately evaluate how a rate fits their household over time, rate selections remain in effect for 12 months after first enrollment before another change can be made.
Why is this change necessary?
- MVEA wants to provide our members with control over their energy costs and rate choices that align with how they use power.
- Like many everyday expenses, the cost of building, maintaining, and upgrading our electric grid (things like poles, wires, transformers, and substations) has risen significantly in recent years.
- MVEA is also facing significantly higher charges for the transmission services and power we purchase from Tri-State.
- Much of our cost as an electric cooperative is now driven by our Peak Demand, not our total energy use.
- To account for these changes, our new rate structure begins to separate the cost of the energy from the cost it takes to support the Demand.
- The new structure begins to more closely align our billing with how our expenses occur.
Are other Colorado utilities doing this too?
Yes. Most Colorado co-ops and municipals already have demand charges, Time-of-Day pricing, or both.
Is the Demand charge applied more than once per month?
No. The charge is tied to one peak interval each billing cycle.
Does my Demand reset every month?
Yes. A new billing cycle creates a new peak demand measurement window.
Where will I see Demand on my bill?
It will appear as its own line item.
What can I do to keep my bill low?
- Simply shift your energy use. Using appliances throughout the day, instead of all at the same time, can make a huge difference.
- Avoid using multiple major appliances all at the same time.
- Use a toaster oven or crockpot to cook meals.
- Use the delay feature on your dishwasher and do laundry on the weekend.
- Put computers and televisions in low-power modes when not in use.
- Use smart power strips for small devices. (Avoid plugging in high-power equipment to prevent overloading.)
- Adjust your thermostat or consider investing in a programmable smart thermostat.
- SmartHub is MVEA’s bill payment and account management tool that makes it easy for members to monitor and manage electric use by the day and hour. Members can also find an overview of this information on their bill. Using the Usage Explorer tool, members can view energy consumption (kWh) and Demand (kW) for hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly analysis.
- Enroll in bank draft Auto Pay or Paperless Billing. Enroll in both to save $1.00 per month.
- Check out our Energy Resource Center page. We offer rebates and incentives, energy-efficient tips, tools , and calculators.
- Save today with an energy audit by upgrading to high-efficiency energy products through our On-Bill Repayment program.
Other Rate Class Changes FAQ’s
Residential AMI Opt-Out Rate
These members will only see a slight increase in the kWh charge.
Residential Prepaid Rate
These members will be enrolled in and remain on this rate while they utilize prepaid billing. Other rate options become available when standard billing is selected.
Small Power
- Small Power members will default to the Small Power Demand Rate and will see a Demand charge for their single highest one-hour period of use during the month, Monday – Friday. These members will have three rate options as well, including the Small Power Time-of-Day Rate and the Small Power Flat Rate.
- Members may change their rate selection anytime, once every 12 months after first enrollment, beginning August 1, 2026.
- Members can request the change in SmartHub or by calling our Member Services department at (800) 388-9881.
To request the change in SmartHub:
- On the homepage of SmartHub in the left navigation menu, select Submit an Inquiry.
- From the drop-down menu, select Rate Selection Form.
Large Power
Large Power members will see a Time-of-Day Demand charge added to their monthly bill. This charge will be for their highest 15-minute period of use during the month, Monday–Friday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The existing demand charge for the highest 15-minute period set at any time during the month will remain but will be reduced from the current amount.
Net Metering
Net Metering members will transition to a Net Metering Demand Rate. During daylight hours, solar production can reduce the amount of electricity you draw from the grid, lowering your demand. However, demand at other times – such as evenings or when solar is not producing – will be based on your usage during those periods and is not offset by earlier solar generation.
Irrigation
Changes to the Irrigation rate include the introduction of an annual Grid Access charge and a Demand charge (highest 15-minute interval anytime Monday – Saturday), along with a three-year phase-out of the existing Horsepower charge. Members may pay the annual Grid Access fee up front or it will be automatically assessed on their monthly bill. There will no longer be a minimum annual charge based on horsepower.
Water Pumping
These accounts will now be billed a Time-of-Day Demand charge (highest 15-minute interval between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Monday – Friday) in addition to a reduced version of the existing Demand charge (set at any time, Monday – Sunday).
Lighting
The new Member-Owned and Maintained Lighting Rate will allow municipalities, special districts, and homeowners’ associations to own and maintain their preferred outdoor lighting fixtures with MVEA providing power at a fixed monthly rate.
Net Metering FAQ’s
What is the difference between energy and demand?
Energy, measured in kWh, is how much electricity you use over time. Demand, measured in kW, is how much electricity you need at one time. A helpful way to think about it is distance versus speed. Energy is like the total distance driven, while demand is like the fastest speed reached during the trip. Both tell you something different about how the system is used.
Why do net metering members have a demand charge?
The Net Metering Demand Rate was designed so members can continue receiving net metering credits while also reflecting the demand placed on the electric system.
Even with solar panels, your home still relies on MVEA’s electric system when your electricity needs are greater than what your solar system is producing. The demand charge helps recover the cost of maintaining the capacity needed to provide reliable service whenever electricity is needed.
How does Net Metering work on this new rate?
You will still receive one-for-one credit for the net energy you export back to the grid, but those credits will only apply to the kWh energy portion of your bill. These banked credits will not offset your demand charges. The final bill will include your grid access fee, net energy use, and highest single one-hour demand charge for the month.
Is net metering going away?
No. Net metering remains in place. The only change is how the account is billed. You will continue to receive kWh credits for excess generation, but your bill will also include a demand charge based on your highest one-hour use during the month.
Why is net metering unique?
The Net Metering Demand Rate was designed so members continue receiving net metering credits while also reflecting the demand placed on the electric system. This approach helps keep the program fair and sustainable for all members while preserving the benefits of net metering.
Net metering accounts are unique because they both consume electricity from the grid and export electricity back to the grid. Because these accounts include banked energy credits, they require a billing structure that can continue applying those credits while also accounting for demand.
As a solar member, how is my demand charge calculated?
Your demand charge is based on the highest amount of electricity you use during any single one-hour period in the billing cycle. It is not based on your total monthly energy use alone.
If my highest demand occurs only once during the month, does it still count?
Yes. Your demand charge is based on your highest one-hour use during the billing cycle. Even if that higher-use period happens only once, it will still set your demand charge for the month.
That is why spreading out large appliances can make a difference. The goal is to avoid creating one unusually high-use hour.
Can I be grandfathered into my current rate?
No. All net metering accounts will transition to the Net Metering Demand Rate. However, net metering itself is not going away, and members will continue to receive energy credits for excess solar generation under MVEA’s net metering program.
Will I still receive credit for the electricity my solar panels produce?
Yes. Your solar production will continue to offset the energy you use from the grid. If you generate more electricity than you use during a billing period, those excess kWh credits will continue to be banked and applied to future energy charges.
Will solar still save me money on this rate?
Yes. Solar can continue to reduce the amount of energy you purchase from the grid and help lower your energy charges. Members who use power during solar-producing hours may see additional benefits because they are using their own generation in real time.
Why doesn’t my solar generation automatically offset my demand charge?
This can be confusing because solar generation and demand are measured differently. Solar production may help reduce the electricity you need from the grid during some hours of the day, but demand is based on your highest one-hour use period. If that hour occurs when solar production is low or several large appliances are running at once, you may still have demand.
Why am I getting an increase when some other members may not?
The impact of the new rate depends on each member’s use patterns. Some members naturally have use patterns that result in lower demand, while others may have periods when several large appliances operate at the same time. As a result, some members may see lower bills, some may see little change, and others may see an increase.
For net metering members, solar energy credits will continue to offset energy charges, but demand charges are based on the highest one-hour use during the month. Every member’s experience will be different depending on how and when electricity is used.
I installed solar to lower my electric bill. Why is this changing now?
Your solar system will continue to reduce the amount of energy you purchase from the grid and will continue to earn net metering energy credits.
The purpose of the rate change is not to remove those energy credits. It is designed to better reflect both the energy a member uses and the demand placed on the electric system.
Why can’t my banked energy credits be applied to my demand charge?
Banked energy credits can be applied to the energy portion of your bill because they are measured in kWh and net metering credits are issued on a one-for-one basis. Demand charges are calculated differently and therefore cannot be offset by accrued energy credits.
How can I manage my demand charge? What does shifting use look like for me?
Managing your demand charge is most effective when you spread out large electrical loads instead of using several at the same time. Solar generation can provide more flexibility by allowing you to use appliances during solar-producing hours and avoid the need to run those same loads later when your system is not producing as much.
Remember, your demand charge is determined by your highest one-hour use period. If several large appliances are operating during the same hour, that hour could establish your monthly demand charge. Example: If you charge your electric vehicle, run the dryer, and use the oven during the same hour, that period may become your highest demand hour for the month.
Why should I shift my usage if the demand rate is the same day or night?
The goal is to avoid using several large appliances at the same time. Your demand charge is based on your highest one-hour use, so spacing out EV charging, laundry, cooking, and air conditioning may help lower your monthly demand. For solar members, using larger appliances during daylight hours may provide an added benefit because your solar system may be producing electricity at that time. This can help you use more of your own solar energy directly, even though the demand rate itself is the same day or night.
Think of it this way: demand is less about when you use electricity and more about how much electricity you use at the same time.
What types of appliances typically increase demand?
Large appliances running at the same time can increase demand. The more loads that operate during the same hour, the more likely that hour is to become your monthly peak.
- Electric vehicle chargers
- Clothes dryers
- Electric ovens and ranges
- Air conditioning systems
- Electric water heaters
- Hot tubs
- Well pumps
- Electric resistance heating
What is the easiest way to reduce my demand charge?
The easiest approach is to avoid stacking large electrical loads and running them at the same time. For example, charging an EV, running the dryer, and cooking dinner during the same hour may create a higher demand than doing those activities at different times. A good sign that you are managing demand well is having fewer periods when multiple large appliances are running together.
Can I eliminate my demand charge completely?
It may be possible to reduce your demand charge, but most homes will still have some demand because nearly every household has periods of higher use.
The goal is to avoid creating one unusually high-use hour when several large appliances are running at once.
If my solar system produces more electricity than I use, can I still have a demand charge?
Yes. We understand that this can be surprising because many solar members are accustomed to focusing primarily on their net energy use. However, energy and demand measure different things. Even if your solar system offsets all or most of your monthly energy use, your demand charge is based on the highest amount of electricity your home requires during a single one-hour period.
I have an electric vehicle. Will EV charging affect my demand charge?
Electric vehicle chargers are often one of the largest electrical loads in a home. If your EV is charging while other large appliances are operating, it may contribute to a higher demand charge.
Many members can manage demand by scheduling EV charging when fewer appliances are running or by reducing the vehicle charging rate if their charger has that capability.
Should I charge my EV during the day if I have solar?
If your solar system is producing, charging your EV during the day may help you use more of your own solar energy. Avoid charging while multiple large appliances are running, as that could still increase your demand.
What if I need to charge my EV overnight?
Overnight charging may still make sense for many households. The key is to avoid stacking EV charging with other large loads during the same hour.
For example, if your EV charges overnight, try not to run other large electric loads at the same time if you can avoid it. If your charger allows you to lower the charging speed, that may also help reduce your peak.
Will installing a battery help lower my bill or eliminate my demand charge?
A battery may help, depending on your use patterns, battery size, and how the battery is operated. In some situations, a battery can provide power during higher-use periods and help reduce demand. However, it may not eliminate your demand charge completely because most homes still have times when electricity use is higher.
If I have solar and a battery, will I no longer need the grid?
No. Even with solar and battery storage, most members continue to rely on the electric grid for reliable service during extended periods of high use, cloudy weather, winter conditions, or when battery storage has been depleted.
The grid remains available whenever additional electricity is needed.
My electric vehicle and battery are helping the grid. Why do I still pay a demand charge?
Electric vehicles, solar systems, and batteries can all provide benefits when they are used in ways that reduce strain on the electric system. A demand charge does not remove those benefits.
The demand charge reflects the amount of electricity your home requires during your highest-use period. Members who use batteries, charge EVs strategically, or use solar energy directly in their homes may have more opportunities to manage demand than members without those technologies.
Am I being charged more because I have solar?
No. The Net Metering Demand Rate is not based on whether a member owns solar. It was designed so members can continue receiving net metering credits while also reflecting the demand placed on the electric system.
Solar members continue to receive energy credits for excess generation. The demand charge reflects the electric capacity needed to serve members during periods of higher use.
Does my solar system already reduce demand on the grid?
It can, especially when your home is using electricity while your solar system is producing. However, your demand charge is based on your highest one-hour use during the month, which may occur when solar production is low or when several large appliances are running at once.
Is MVEA discouraging solar?
No. The net metering program remains in place, and members will continue receiving one-for-one energy credits for excess generation.
Solar remains an effective way to offset energy use. The demand rate simply adds another component that reflects how electricity is used during periods of high demand, in addition to how much energy is consumed over the month.
What is the biggest misconception about demand charges?
Many people assume that using less total electricity automatically means a lower demand charge. In reality, demand is based on how electricity is used.
Two members could use the same number of kWh during a month but have different demand charges if one member uses several large appliances at the same time and the other spreads use more evenly.
Learn More About Demand
- Demand, measured in kilowatts (kW), reflects how much electricity you’re using at a given moment. It indicates the level or intensity of your energy use.
- Peak demand occurs when you use the most electrical devices simultaneously. Like any product, when there is higher demand, there is a higher cost for that product.
- Billing based on a member’s highest demand during those hours helps align costs with the actual peak demand members place on the system.
- Peak demand puts stress on the grid, requiring more generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. The Demand charge fairly charges all members for their contribution to the peak.
- Demand charges better align with the cost of providing reliable electric service and maintaining infrastructure.
You can help lessen our costs and reduce peak demand by spreading your use of electricity throughout the day, as opposed to using energy all at once.