To maintain fair and equitable rates, cost of service studies for electric and natural gas, completed in 2021 and 2020, were utilized in the development of the rate adjustments. Our goal is to curb rate increases for our electric and natural gas members at or below inflation, while collecting sufficient revenue to cover expenses.

The minimum monthly charge is the total of the facility charge and the member service charge.

For single phase electric service remains at  $32:

                  Facility Charge + Member Service Charge = Minimum Monthly Charge

$32 + $5 = $37

For residential natural gas this is $25 (increase of $1 in the facility charge) :

Facility Charge + Member Service Charge = Minimum Monthly Charge

$20 + $5 = $25

The new rates will be reflected on the bills you receive on or after April 7, 2022.

As a distribution cooperative, many of our expenses are related to the delivery of energy to you - or in other words - the basic cost to provide energy.  The facility charge covers most of the costs incurred for the systems that carry electricity or natural gas. This includes power lines, pipelines, trucks, labor and other expenses the Cooperative incurs ensuring energy is available when you need it, no matter how much energy is sold.

An increase in the facility charge to help us recoup operating costs allows members to reduce their energy use without impacting the revenue we need to operate, provide system maintenance and make needed improvements that keep our systems safe and reliable.

The member service charge is a flat fee that covers administrative costs of managing members’ accounts. This includes billing, postage, facilities, software systems and personnel.

An electric member who uses 500 kWh per month will see an annual increase of about $24.72.

A residential natural gas member who uses 100 therms will see an increase of about $3.50 on their monthly bill. A residential natural gas member who uses 125 therms per month will see an increase of about $4 on their monthly bill.

The average combined residential monthly facility and member service charge of the 24 electric cooperatives in the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives was $41.55 in 2021. We are currently the eighth lowest.

The energy charge consists of the kilowatt hours of energy used by a member. The generation charge is the kilowatts of capacity required to meet demand requirements. Based on a member’s kWh use, it can be seen as the long-term investment for the steel-in-the-ground facilities of the power supplier.

Different service types require different sized transformers, conductors and other equipment. The costs associated with the different equipment are covered only by members who have these accounts. This is the most equitable and fair way to allocate costs across all members.

The rates are developed based on historic data. The PCA is determined by how much the monthly power cost per kWh is above or below the base power cost. The PCA can go up or down or remain the same.

We offer our members on fixed incomes a three-pronged approach to managing their bills:

• Education and awareness of their use
• Conservation through energy efficiency programs
• Assistance through Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and our Neighbor to Neighbor Care Funds when appropriate.
• Members are encouraged to be proactive if they are having trouble paying their energy bills, as staying current will minimize additional fees.

If nothing else changes and their use remains the same, members on budget bill will see a small increase on their May bill; amounts will then recalculate in November. If the member would like to assume a 2% increase on their base this can be done to minimize a true-up in the fall due to the increase.

Although inflation has hit Jo-Carroll Energy relentlessly with double digit increases almost across the board for all materials, the board of directors and our team continue to be very conscientious of these increased costs, along with material shortages.

Keeping safety at the forefront, our team is managing the use of materials as efficiently as possible. In some instances reusing and repurposing materials where feasible. By following our strategic objectives of operational excellence, growth and enhanced cooperative value, the average rate increase of 2 percent across member classes is well below projected inflation. Our goal is to curb rate increases for our electric, natural gas and broadband members at or below inflation.

Margins provide the cash flow to operate the cooperative—in equipment and conducting day to day business.

The type of service you require determines your rate class. If you believe that your rate class does not accurately represent the type of service you are receiving, please contact our Operations Department at 800-858-5522.

The electric heat rate is available to single phase service accounts that meet additional requirements:

Electric heat shall be the primary source of heating in the residence.

The member shall have permanently installed residential electric heating equipment of 5,000 watts or more or a geothermal system.

The member shall have at least two major electric appliances in use—other than the electric heat. Major appliances include an electric range, built-in electric range and oven, electric water heater and electric clothes dryer.

Fifty percent or more of the electrical use is for residential purposes.

Jo-Carroll Energy reserves the right to inspect the member’s service to determine that all of the requirements are met.

Jo-Carroll Energy offers various bill payment programs including budget billing and levelized billing. A budget billing plan allows you to pay the same amount each month, based on your previous 12 months of service. Levelized billing uses a “rolling average”. While the amount due will vary from month to month, this plan can help take the shock out of your energy bill during extremely cold or hot weather.

There are many steps members can take to lower their monthly energy costs.  With the helpful tools and resources Jo-Carroll Energy offers, using energy wisely is easier than you think. We can work together to use energy efficiently. You can find energy saving information on our website and at TogetherWeSave.com.

Jo-Carroll Energy offers members free phone consultations with our energy advisor and an extensive energy efficiency incentive program. For more information about these programs, contact our energy advisor John Scott at 800-858-5522, ext. 1339.

Energy costs are calculated by power providers based on peak use.  Peaks refer to the time of day when the most energy is used.  During the summer, this can occur between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.  During the winter the peak may occur in the colder, evening hours from 4 to 10 p.m.  Performing certain chores during off-peak hours or on weekends can help reduce the cooperative’s overall peak consumption and overall costs.  By changing your home’s energy habits, you can help reduce the cooperative’s energy bill.

Sand Prairie Wireless bills are not affected by these changes.

Members are not paying for other members to get fiber. Sand Prairie is borrowing from the equity of Jo-Carroll, which over time will be paid back. We have also obtained a separate credit facility (loan) to finance these projects.

In the broad prospective, rural broadband (specifically fiber) is recognized as playing a major role in the quality of life and economic health of our communities. Broadband can make a difference in the prosperity of our rural communities, giving our current and future members the same opportunities and access as our urban counterparts. More members and businesses, more accounts to spread fixed costs across, which help stabilize future rates.

 Please call us at 800-858-5522 if you have questions.