UDWI responds to members by adjusting rates
Listening to our members has always been what defines us as cooperatives and sets us apart from businesses driven by profit
Because we do not have to be concerned with increasing profit margins, we can focus on what is really important-serving our members. This dedication to our member-owners has always been, and will continue to be, UDWI REMC's primary reason for being in business. We exist to serve you, our members, and meet your needs for safe, reliable, and affordable power.
At UDWI REMC, we are member-controlled and locally operated. Each member has a voice in how the cooperative operates. And, we are accountable for the decisions made at your REMC. Because we are locally operated, we are committed to helping our communities grow, meaning your money stays at work close to home.
The rate UDWI must charge its members per kilowatt is determined primarily by two factors: the costs of doing business and the way our generation provider, Hoosier Energy, bills us for the energy we need.
Today, co-ops face unprecedented challenges in the energy industry, making it more important than ever to work in partnership with our members, gathering their input and listening to their comments and concerns.
As prices for fuels, materials, and equipment continue to rise, and new government regulations come into effect, we must work together to keep costs in check. Your co-op is committed to keeping you informed about policy changes impacting your cost of electrical service.
One way we are controlling costs is through innovation. New technologies will help us keep electric bills affordable and reduce our environmental impact. Our energy efficiency programs will help you manage your energy use more wisely.
You may be wondering, "What does this really mean to me, the customer?" It means the future may be uncertain, but one things seems clear-the costs of purchasing electricity will rise, for both co-ops and their members. However, if we work together, that uncertainty will not have to be shouldered alone.
Over the past year, many of our members have contacted us about the new seasonal rate structure. In response to your comments and concerns, your board of directors has adjusted the rate structure to lessen the seasonal price differences while continuing to offer accurate price signals to members about the seasonal power costs.
Beginning April 1, the new electric rates for UDWI REMC will be as follows:
The summer rate (June, July, and Aug) has dropped from 13.601 cents per kilowatt-hour to 12.0 cents per kilowatt. The winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb) has dropped from 11.607 to 11.0 cents per kilowatt-hour. We have increased the off-season (or shoulder) rate (March, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, and Nov) from 7.338 cents per kilowatt-hour to 8.769 per kilowatt.
While we still believe the seasonal rate is the way to keep overall costs down, we will continue to evaluate and listen to you, our customer-owners, as we look to the future.
Brian Sparks,
CEO
|
|
From our Board President
The main ingredient describing how electric cooperatives differ from other business and utility models is the vital role of you, the members. During the past year, you have shown resolve, patience, keen awareness, and dedication in making adjustments to the many factors that continue to impact the production and distribution costs of electricity. The seasonal rate plan is an important portion of how your cooperative is positioned to meet those challenges. We, the UDWI Board of Directors, asked that the seasonal plan be in place for a year so the results could be accurately appraised. Two things have become very clear: 1) members understand their personal choices, and adaptation to how they use electricity in their homes and businesses can benefit them in several ways; and, 2) the rate structure presented too much of a change between the lowest and highest seasonal rates. It is vital that the seasonal rate plan be continued to provide UDWI members with the continuing opportunity to most efficiently, and beneficially, use electricity. Equally vital is the need for the rate to be affordable while maintaining a sound financial position for your cooperative. The new rates, that become effective April 1, 2011, strive to enhance opportunities for members to continue their increasingly efficient use of electricity and, also, to lessen the necessary seasonal swings in the price per kwh. The Board of Directors wishes to thank you, the UDWI members, for making adjustments to achieve the most significant goal of your cooperative, which is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for now and for the future. We are very proud of the employees of UDWI. They have performed very well in some very tough weather conditions. The total hours worked without a lost-time accident is nearing 1,250,000. This achievement is possible because of the training employees receive and the personal choice made every moment by each employee to work in a safe and efficient manner. THANK YOU TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF UDWI-KEEP UP THE GREAT, AND SAFE, WORK.
James Weimer,
President
Over 1,313,000 HOURS WORKED without a lost-time accident as of January 28, 2012!
Featured Monthly Safety Tip
 
|