adjustment energy saving

With our current rates, it is no longer possible for us to cover our operating costs and still maintain the quality of service our members expect and deserve. Recently, Baldwin EMC has seen substantial increases in the cost of the materials, supplies and services we rely on to deliver power. This rate adjustment will make it possible for our basic service charge to more closely reflect the actual cost of providing service to our members.

When can I expect to see the rate adjustment on my bill?

The rate adjustment will take effect on March 1, 2023. The change will first appear on March electric bills.

How is this going to affect my bill?

The basic member service charge for residential members will increase by $7 per month, from $37.95 to $44.95.

How do Baldwin EMC's rates compare to other local utilities?

With this rate adjustment, Baldwin EMC’s rates will still be very comparable to (and in some cases lower than) those of other utilities in our area.

What is Baldwin EMC doing to keep costs down?

Baldwin EMC continually looks for ways to operate more efficiently and keep expenses down. We’ve been able to delay increases for the past seven years by implementing a number of cost-saving measures, such as Prepay Power and our paperless billing program. We use technology like our advanced metering infrastructure to improve the efficiency of our operations, which further reduces our expenses. We also operate according to the cooperative business model, which means we don’t set our rates to make a profit. Our rates are based on a thorough analysis of what it costs us to serve our members. If we take in more revenue than we need for our operations, those margins/ profits are returned to members.

When was the last time Baldwin EMC had a rate change?

Our last rate adjustment took place in March of 2016. Since that time, we have worked hard to delay increasing rates, while the costs of providing electricity and doing business have continued to go up.

How can I reduce my bill?

The amount of your electric bill is based on how much power you use each month. Baldwin EMC offers a number of programs to help you manage your energy use, including website energy calculators, Prepay Power, energy audits, and energy efficiency programs. To learn more call us at (251) 989-6247 or visit our website, www.baldwinemc.com.

What should I do if I'm concerned about my ability to pay my bill?

Please call our member service center at (251) 989-6247 so we can discuss the options that are available for you.

Lower your power bill one good choice at a time

Today’s homes and businesses require more electricity than ever before, as the costs to provide that resource are going up. The good news? Reducing your energy consumption AND your bills can be done with just a few changes.

The first step? Put your home through a "Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Survey." It's an easy-to-use checklist available on the Energy Services page of Baldwin EMC's website. The survey is designed to help you identify your home's areas for improvement, whether it’s inadequate insulation or inefficient appliances.

The next step is to start taking more steps! Start with small improvements, like changing incandescent bulbs to LED lights, or adding caulk and weatherstripping to windows and doors. You can monitor the positive changes in your energy use by reviewing the charts printed on your monthly bills, or by logging into your account on Baldwin EMC’s website or app.

When you're ready to move on to bigger investments, that's something else Baldwin EMC can "help" with. Our Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is designed to give qualifying members access to low-interest loans to finance large-scale energy efficiency improvements, such as duct repair or replacement, attic ventilation, and energy-efficient windows.

Baldwin EMC also offers one-on-one consultations with our residential energy advisors for any member who may have additional concerns about their home's energy use and how it's impacting their power bills. To contact them, you can call (251) 989-6247 and ask for our energy services department.