Understanding Upcoming Changes to Your Electric Bill

As a member-owned cooperative, every decision we make centers on reliability, transparency, and the long-term wellbeing of the communities we serve. In November, members will see an overall rate adjustment of 6% and a new, clearer bill structure that is designed to help members better understand what goes into delivering safe, dependable electricity. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about these changes.

Why are rates increasing?

Darke REC operates at cost. We do not have shareholders or earn profits. The adjustment reflects rising costs for power generation, transmission, equipment and materials. It also supports the maintenance and improvements needed to keep electricity reliable during extreme weather and periods of high demand.

Why is my bill changing?

Members have asked for a clearer explanation of their electric costs. The updated bill separates charges that were previously grouped together, so you can better understand what each part of your bill covers.

What charges will I see?

The current Electric Usage Charge and PCA Adjustment will be replaced by two separate charges:

• Generation & Transmission (G&T) Charge: Covers the cost of producing electricity and delivering it through the regional power grid to Darke REC’s system. These costs come from Buckeye Power, the generation and transmission cooperative jointly owned by Ohio’s electric cooperatives.
• Local Distribution Charge: Covers the poles, wires, substations and other equipment Darke REC uses to deliver electricity to your home or business.

Your bill will also continue to include the Availability Charge. This fixed monthly charge helps cover the cost of keeping the electric system ready to serve you, whether you use a little electricity or a lot.

If you participate in any of these optional programs, you may also see:

• Security Light: A fixed monthly charge that includes electricity use and repairs.
• America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC (formerly COPA): A voluntary contribution supporting candidates who support electric cooperatives.
• Operation Round Up: A voluntary program that rounds your bill up to the next whole dollar to support local nonprofit organizations.

Will my bill still depend on how much electricity I use?

Yes. Usage-based charges will still vary with the amount of electricity you use. Your bill also includes the fixed Availability Charge and any optional programs you choose. The new format gives you more detail about those costs.

How does this help members?

The clearer breakdown makes it easier to see what drives your electric costs, how local system investments support reliability and how wholesale power costs affect your bill.

What is Darke REC doing to manage costs?

We work to keep costs stable through long-term power planning, system improvements that reduce outages and careful financial management. As a member-owned cooperative, we make those decisions with our members’ interests in mind.

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Call us at 937-548-4114 or join us at the cooperative for a member town hall on Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. We’ll walk through the changes and answer your questions.