Resources & Planning Ensure Reliable, Affordable Power
By Lindsay Forepaugh
In the past 2 issues of Ruralite, we’ve shared information about the 9% rate adjustment scheduled to take effect this month and the factors behind the change. This month, we want to focus on where we’re headed and how Wasco Electric Cooperative is working to ensure a strong, reliable future for you, our members.
A Thoughtful, Member-Focused Decision
Rate adjustments are never made lightly. As a member-owned cooperative, our responsibility is to balance affordability with the long-term health of the electric system that serves you. This adjustment reflects careful planning to address rising wholesale power costs, ongoing system maintenance, and the investments needed to keep electricity reliable across our service territory.
Acting now lets us manage costs gradually and avoid larger increases in the future. It also ensures we can continue responding quickly to outages, maintaining infrastructure, and planning for the needs of our growing communities.
Helping Members Prepare
We understand changes in your electric bill affect household and business budgets. That’s why WEC remains committed to providing tools and resources to help members manage their energy use.
Members can take advantage of:
- Energy-efficiency tips and usage insights
- Free home and business energy audits
- Guidance on improvements, such as insulation, window upgrades, and heating and cooling efficiency
- Personalized support from our member services team. Even small steps can lead to long-term savings. We are here to help members identify options that work best for them.
Moving Forward Together
Transparency and communication are central to who we are as a cooperative. We will continue sharing updates and answering questions, so members are informed and prepared.
Thank you for taking the time to stay engaged in this important conversation. Your involvement strengthens our cooperative and helps ensure we can continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to the homes, farms, and businesses we are proud to serve.
Together, we are planning not just for today—but for the future of our community.