Message from the GM:

As a member owned and not-for-profit utility, Jackson Electric Cooperative proudly serves its members reliable, safe and affordable electricity. JEC’s dedication to providing the highest quality electric service at a reasonable cost faces challenges in the current economic environment.

JEC has invested heavily in infrastructure and vegetation management to improve reliability of service for all members and has successfully maintained rates since 2006 but due to increased cost of energy, inflation and rising interest rates, JEC now requires a rate revenue increase to meet operating costs and cover needed capital improvements.

The region continues to experience the lingering adverse financial impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic - inflation and supply chain delays. Just as consumers have seen a dramatic increase in costs of goods, including gas, food and services, inflation has also hit the electric utility industry hard.

Shipping delays, materials shortages and cost increases are among many of the challenges we face. Since 2019, JEC has seen the cost of a power pole rise by 74% overhead power cables by 70%, underground power cables by 100%, a single phase (residential) overhead transformer by 92% and single phase (residential) underground transformer increase by 50%. These increases are not expected to subside anytime soon.

At the July 2024 board meeting, after careful consideration, the Board of Directors approved changes to the electric rates. The increases will have an impact on all customer classes effective October 1, 2024. These changes coincide with the rate study that was completed by EnerVision earlier this year. JEC’s residential members will see a 3% increase. This equates to the average JEC residential member using 1,200 kilowatt hours a month will see an average increase of $3.60 per month.

While adjusting rates is never an easy choice, member value to always our top priority with these decisions. JEC will continue its mission of providing reliable, safe and affordable electric service to all its members. For those facing financial challenges, members can contact the Cooperative to establish acceptable payment plans.

Going into the future, we will continue to invest in modernized equipment and infrastructure and provide members with up-to-date information on how you can reduce your energy use and get the most value out of your service. If you have any questions regarding this rate adjustment, members can call our office during regular business hours 361-771-4400 or visit our website at www.myjec.coop.