Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative Announces Rate Adjustment Following Rising Wholesale Power and Operating Costs
The Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative Board of Directors approved a 10.8% rate adjustment, effective September 1, 2026. The adjustment includes changes to monthly base charges, energy charges and, where applicable, demand charges.
Why the Adjustment is Needed
CCEC purchases all of its wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Earlier this year, the cooperative informed members that changes in Columbia River hydropower operations, including increased spill requirements at federal dams, were expected to increase BPA’s wholesale power costs.
About one-third of the overall rate adjustment is attributable to higher wholesale power costs from BPA. The remaining two-thirds reflects the continued increase in the cost of operating and maintaining CCEC’s electric system, including equipment, materials, labor, insurance and financing.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, CCEC sets cost-based rates designed to recover the cost of providing electric service. Revenue collected through rates is used to purchase wholesale power, operate and maintain the electric system, and invest in infrastructure needed to continue providing safe and reliable electric service.
To support its regular rate review process, the cooperative completed an independent Cost of Service Analysis conducted by a utility rate consulting firm. The study evaluated the cost of providing electric service under each rate schedule, current and projected operating costs, planned capital investments, and the revenue required to meet the cooperative’s financial and operational needs. The Board reviewed the study, together with management’s financial analysis and recommendations, before approving the proposed rate adjustment.
When the new rates take effect on September 1, 2026, a typical residential member using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, the monthly bill is expected to increase approximately $15.17, from $140.29 to $155.46. Actual bill impacts will vary based on a member’s rate schedule and electricity use.
Managing Costs
Before approving the adjustment, the Board also reviewed management’s efforts to control costs across the organization. Those efforts included competitively bidding major projects and equipment purchases, pursuing grant funding opportunities for eligible infrastructure projects, and prioritizing investments based on safety, reliability and operational need.
"We recognize that any increase in electric costs affects our members, and approving a rate adjustment is never a decision we take lightly," said Brent Bischoff, General Manager and CEO.
"The Board carefully review management’s recommendation, current financial projections and the results of the cost-of-service analysis before approving the adjustment. Our responsibility is to set rates that reflect the actual cost of providing electric service while maintaining the financial strength of the cooperative for the benefit of our members."
Information and Resources for Members
Before the new rates take effect, CCEC will provide updated rate schedules, bill impact examples, frequently asked questions and resources at ccec.coop to help members understand the adjustment and their monthly electric bill.
“Our goal is to make sure every member understands what changed, why it changed and how it affects their individual bill,” said Keith Buchhalter, Marketing and Member Services Manager.
“Whether a member has questions about the adjustment or wants to better understand their energy use, our team is available to provide personalized bill reviews and practical tools to help them make informed decisions.”
Members who would like to review how the adjustment affects their account are encouraged to contact Member Services at 541-332-3931 or schedule a 15-minute bill review online. A Member Services representative will call at the scheduled time to answer questions and discuss how the adjustment affects their account.
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