San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) has approved an electric rate increase for all consumer classes, scheduled to take effect on December 15, 2025. The adjustment is designed to ensure balanced cost recovery amid rising operational expenses, while maintaining the cooperative’s commitment to delivering reliable power and preserving meaningful choices for members in how they use and manage their energy. Over the past several months, SMPA’s Board of Directors reviewed and considered comments submitted by members regarding the proposed changes. Member feedback played an important role in the Board’s deliberations, reinforcing the cooperative’s priority to remain transparent, responsive, and community-driven throughout the rate-setting process.

A key driver of the rate increase is the continued rise in wholesale power costs, including a 7.2% increase from SMPA’s wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. In addition, SMPA faces higher costs for essential materials, insurance, and investments in critical infrastructure upgrades—expenses that support the cooperative’s ability to maintain safety, reliability, and long-term system resilience. Despite these pressures, SMPA notes that its rate adjustments over time remain modest compared to national inflation and national average electric cost trends.

For most residential consumers, the approved rate change includes:

A $5 increase to the monthly access charge, bringing it to $33.00 per month

A 3¢ increase to the on-peak energy rate, bringing that rate to 25¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

A complete list of the rate changes can be viewed at www.smpa.com/rates.

These changes will apply to energy used beginning December 15, 2025, and will first be reflected on members’ January electric bills.

As a member-owned cooperative, SMPA seeks to partner with its members in making changes for the benefit of all. Through energy-efficiency programs, rebates, an on-bill repayment program, distributed energy options, and personalized guidance, SMPA offers tools that maximize dollar value, while continuing to make the long-term investments needed to serve its communities safely and reliably.