Understanding Your New Electric Rates in 2026
At Wasco Electric Cooperative, we remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for our members. Beginning March 1, 2026, many members will see an adjustment in electric rates. While the specific impact will vary by account, the overall increase represents a 9% rise in cooperative revenue. We understand any change in pricing raises questions, and we want to be transparent about why this adjustment is necessary and what it means for you.
This rate increase has 2 main causes. First, like many organizations, we have faced rising costs during the past 3 years. While continuing to invest in grid improvements, reliability upgrades, and wildfire mitigation efforts, we have seen the cost of critical materials increase by approximately 75%.
Second, our wholesale power and transmission costs from the Bonneville Power Administration have also gone up. Beginning October 1, 2025, BPA implemented a 4.6% increase in power costs and a 15.4% increase in transmission costs. In addition, BPA recently announced a temporary 2% surcharge on power costs for 12 months to address a shortfall in its power services revenue. Even with these changes, BPA continues to provide WEC with reliable, carbon-free energy at some of the lowest wholesale prices in the nation.
As a not-for-profit cooperative, our goal is not to generate profits but to cover costs and invest in the future of our community’s power needs. Wasco Electric has a long history of being financially prudent with your money, and we will continue that tradition. We remain committed to financial responsibility, member support, and maintaining affordable electricity while ensuring the safety and reliability of our grid.
Because every member’s usage pattern is different, the rate change will affect each account differently. We will share more details as we approach the March 2026 implementation.
In the meantime, if you have questions about how this change may affect your bill, call our office at (541) 296-2740. Our member services representatives are ready to review your account and discuss your specific situation.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to provide the safe, reliable service you have come to expect from your cooperative.
General Manager Lindsay Forepaugh