Chad Stone
As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Little River Electric Cooperative operates solely to serve you, our members. Our commitment has always been to deliver dependable power at the lowest possible cost, and we know that any change to our electricity rate impacts your household.
Since 2009, our last rate increase, we’ve been holding our rates steady. But we have exhausted every possible option to avoid this next step. We have reached a point where an adjustment is necessary. To continue delivering essential services while accounting for rising costs in our industry, a rate change will take effect on bills processed beginning June 2025.
Why is this rate change necessary?
Over the past five years, we’ve seen the price of critical materials, equipment and supplies double. Wholesale power costs also have risen dramatically.
Because South Carolina cooperatives purchase electricity from suppliers such as Duke Energy, Santee Cooper and the Southeastern Power Administration, our rates are driven in large part by the price of wholesale power from those suppliers.
Starting in 2025, Santee Cooper customers—including co-op members—will begin paying for the unbudgeted extra cost that Santee Cooper incurred during a court agreed rate freeze, when the utility wasn’t allowed to raise its rates to cover those costs.
What does this mean for you?
The specific impact will vary depending on your household’s energy usage. We recognize how inflation continues to strain daily budgets, and this rate adjustment was not made lightly. We’re making this change as a last resort after months of careful analysis, from an independent consultant, and consideration. While change is rarely easy, it is sometimes unavoidable. Below, you’ll find more information on the new rates.
As these changes go into effect, please know we’re here to answer your questions and provide support. You can call us (864) 366-2141. We will navigate these challenges as we always do—together.
Thank you for being a valued member of Little River Electric Cooperative, Inc.
CHAD STONE
General Manager
NEW RATES
- Residential Facilities Charge – $1.10/day
- Residential Solar Facilities Charge – $1.17/day
- Residential Energy Charge – 4.1¢ increase
For all other rate schedules, please visit our rate overview.
