Moving Forward Together: A Proposed Rate Adjustment

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO: Dennis Svanes

As your electric cooperative, 4 Rivers works every day to provide safe, reliable and affordable power you can depend on. We take that responsibility seriously, and we do not take a rate increase lightly. We understand that electricity is an essential service, and we also understand the impact that higher costs can have on our members. 

Over the last several years, the costs of keeping the electric system running have increased significantly. Since 2020, prices for many of the materials and equipment we depend on — such as poles, transformers, wire, meters and other system components — have risen sharply. These items are necessary to deliver electricity safely and reliably, and they must be repaired or replaced as they age. 

Even when electricity use is lower, the cooperative still has the same responsibility to maintain the electric system. Poles, power lines, substations and meters must be ready to serve you every hour of every day. These fixed costs continue to grow and cannot be avoided. These investments ensure the system is ready to respond quickly to outages, storms and emergencies, no matter when they occur. 

Because of these challenges, the board of trustees has scheduled a member rate hearing on Feb. 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. to be held in conjunction with the board meeting at our Fredonia office. At that time, members will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate adjustment and share their thoughts. 

The proposal includes a $3.25 per meter per month increase, which represents about a 1.9% overall adjustment for the cooperative. While some members experienced bill changes as part of the consolidation that formed 4 Rivers, this would be the first cooperative-wide rate increase to the Non-Commercial (residential) and General Service Large (large commercial) tariffs since 2012. The adjustment reflects rising costs to maintain the electric system and ensure reliable service. 

One reason we have been able to delay a rate increase for so long is that we have worked hard to control costs and plan carefully. Another important reason is that when our two former cooperatives came together to form 4 Rivers, it helped us eliminate duplication, streamline operations and make better use of member dollars. While those efficiencies helped us delay a rate increase for many years, continued cost growth now requires us to act responsibly to protect the cooperative’s long-term financial health. 

We remain committed to watching expenses closely and planning responsibly for the future. Our goal is to keep rates as affordable as possible while making sure the electric system remains strong and reliable. 

As a member-owned cooperative, your voice matters. I encourage you to stay informed and participate in the rate hearing. Thank you for your trust in 4 Rivers and for allowing us to serve you.

(Originally printed in February's KCL Centerspread)