Our wholesale electricity provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association Inc., announced on June 16, 2023, that it had submitted a new formula rate filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). If approved by FERC, the new rate would increase the rates for LPEA by 6.2%.

Tri-State must obtain rate approvals from FERC rather than through its local Board of Directors. If approved by FERC, the new rates will take effect on January 1, 2024.

In Tri-State’s June 16, 2023, announcement, Tri-State CEO Duane Highly explained, “For the first time since 2017, Tri-State is proposing a rate increase, driven by factors including inflation, increased fuel and energy costs, and supply chain pressures, and notably, the proposed wholesale rate increase remains below the rate of inflation over the past seven years.”

Tri-State expects to receive a response from FERC within 60 days on whether the proposed rate increase is accepted. Once FERC accepts the rate, Tri-State will raise its rates to its members.

“LPEA will continue to closely monitor the decision from FERC and the impact this rate increase from Tri- State will have on our members,” said Jessica Matlock, LPEA CEO.