As we move through another year of growth and change in LaGrange County, I find myself reflecting on one simple truth: reliable, affordable electricity remains one of the greatest values in our daily lives. At LaGrange County REMC, we take that responsibility seriously — because we know just how much you depend on it. It’s something we’ve done for a really long time, for 90 years to be exact. We’re celebrating a milestone anniversary this year!

Electricity powers your home, keeps your family comfortable, supports your livelihood, and strengthens our local economy. Although the cost of electricity has generally remained  stable, it is not immune to the price increase affecting others. 

All of us have noticed it: a visit to the grocery store or big box store doesn’t feel the same as it did even a few years ago. Prices are rising. Consider a few everyday items: A loaf of bread costs significantly more than it did just a few years ago. Ground beef, milk, and medical care have all steadily climbed in price.

These increases reflect broad economic pressures — supply chain disruptions, inflation, labor shortages, and global trends that are often out of our control. Electricity is not immune to these pressures.  The costs to generate, transmit, and deliver reliable power — fuel, equipment, materials, and workforce — have all increased. Considering LaGrange County REMC’s membership base has not grown, the rates must be adjusted to accommodate those cost increases.

We understand that any increase in your electric bill affects your household budget. That’s why we approach potential rate changes with caution, careful planning, and a commitment to transparency. Like I mentioned in this article last month, an increase to our rates is necessary. The bills issued in March (for February use) will be roughly 10% higher than a year ago. Look for specific details in Indiana Connection next month.

While some rate adjustments are inevitable to keep up with rising costs and continue delivering the reliable service you expect, we are doing everything in our power to keep those increases as low as possible. This includes long-term planning to avoid steep, unexpected changes. It also includes careful budgeting and cost controls to make the most of every dollar. It includes investing wisely in system upgrades that reduce outages and improve efficiency. We’re also seeking operational efficiencies to lower internal expenses without sacrificing service.

Our goal is simple: provide the power you need at the lowest possible cost, without compromising safety, reliability, or the long-term strength of the cooperative.

Despite rising costs everywhere, electricity remains one of the best values in your home. For a few dollars a day, you receive heating, cooling, lighting, refrigeration, electronics, entertainment, and the countless conveniences that make modern life possible. Very few expenses deliver so much value, so reliably, every single hour of every day. 

LaGrange County REMC exists to serve you — our members. That cooperative difference guides every decision we make. As we navigate rising costs together, we will continue to communicate openly, plan responsibly, and put your best interests first, just like we’ve done for 90 years.

Thank you for your trust, your membership, and your partnership in keeping our community bright, strong, and connected.