CEO JULY MESSAGE - 2024

HCE Rate Increase

I joined Hill County Electric (HCE) eight years ago. During my time here, the board, myself and employees have worked very hard to try and operate as efficiently as possible while still maintaining a high level of reliable power. HCE has focused on preventative maintenance and pole change outs, which have proven to be effective in limiting our outages.

The financial pressures exerted by rising interest rates, inflation and the cost of power continue to go up for HCE. For example, energy costs have increased and are projected to increase at least another 8% over the next three years. Over the past few years, HCE has been absorbing these costs. As your cooperative, we were doing our best to avoid a rate increase. HCE hired a firm to conduct a rate study to evaluate the current structure and what HCE needs to do to remain financially sound in the future. The recommendation from the study confirmed what HCE board members determined, that it is time for rate increases. From December 2023 to February 2024, our residential member’s average bill was $125. The average increase to accounts will be about ten percent and will go into effect September 1, 2024.

There are programs available to help with energy costs through HRDC and HCE Energy Assistance programs. More information can be found at here.

This decision was not made lightly by our board of directors. This adjustment will allow us to continue to improve our electric systems’ reliability, pay our employees fairly and provide members with the highest level of reliability that they have come to know and expect.

Craig Gates
General Manager/CEO