After seven years of stable rates, we're making an adjustment

OnMarch 1, 2023, Baldwin EMC will implement our first rate adjustment since 2016. We value you as a member and place a strong emphasis on providing you with exceptional service. To maintain the quality, reliability and integrity of the services you expect and deserve, it is necessary for us to adjust our pricing structure.

This adjustment will affect the basic service charge on your bill, which will increase by $7 per month for residential members - from $37.95 per month to $44.95.

While virtually all aspects of today’s cost of living are on the rise, we pride ourselves on avoiding routine price adjustments. In fact, Baldwin EMC and its members have enjoyed a seven-year period of rate stability, even in spite of obstacles such as back-to-back hurricanes in 2020, and global supply chain shortages spanning several years.

This upcoming rate adjustment is based on numerous factors that have affected Baldwin EMC's operational expenses. As the nation struggles with rising inflation, electric cooperatives around the country are feeling the same pressure. Recently, Baldwin EMC has seen substantial increases in the cost of the materials, supplies and services we rely on to deliver power. This includes everything from transformers, to fuel for our service trucks, to paper for our printed bills and unfortunately much more.

As our members, we must ask you to share in these costs. Maintaining dependable service at the most affordable price possible remains the cornerstone of our business. To accomplish this goal, we must also protect the integrity and financial stability of our organization.

We want to reassure you that Baldwin EMC will remain proactive in planning for your future energy needs and being good stewards of your financial investment in the cooperative. Cost-saving programs like Prepay Power and paperless billing, and technology like our advanced metering infrastructure, which improves efficiency and reduces our expenses, are now more important than ever, and affordablity will continue to be an important part of our strategic vision.

As we all adjust to a higher cost of living at the gas pump, grocery store and just about everything in between, I encourage you to reach out to us if you're ever unsure about your ability to pay your power bills. We always want to be a part of the solution in whatever ways we can.

Meeting your needs is and always will be our number one priority. No matter what conditions we're facing, that won't change. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of this rate adjustment, please call our office at (251) 989-6247 or email member.service@baldwinemc.com.