Electricity provides benefits that we often take for granted. It goes well beyond short-term satisfaction by allowing us to charge devices and have cold food and hot water, all in a comfortable indoor climate. Besides the privilege it affords, electricity has also remained relatively cost-stable even amidst rising inflation.

The average daily cost of electricity nationwide is about $4.57, and the average monthly electric bill for Guthrie County REC members is $140. You could power your entire home every day for less than the price of a fancy coffee drink. Instead, I could brew my own coffee, cook my own meals, binge a TV series and run on a treadmill for less than the cost of that drink. Now to me, that’s real value.

We want to ensure your costs stay reasonable and that electricity remains a great value for our members. It’s not always easy, as there are several factors beyond inflation that impact the price of electricity – some within our control but most beyond it.

The cost of electricity can fluctuate due to supply and demand, infrastructure investment, maintenance and operational expenses. Weather patterns also contribute, affecting both demand and generation capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy use or disruptions. Government policies, such as subsidies for renewable energy or taxes and regulations on emissions, shape electricity costs as well. Your electric co-op considers all these aspects when adjusting rates, and because we’re a cooperative, we consider the impact of those costs on our members as well.

As our community continues to rely on electricity for nearly everything in our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, we need it to be reliable and affordable. You can be assured that Guthrie County REC will always put you top of mind and work each day to ensure electricity remains the best value for your money.

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Cozy Nelsen
CEO of Guthrie County REC