Over the past five years, the cost of delivering safe, reliable electricity has increased significantly across the electric utility industry. Like electric cooperatives nationwide, Jay County REMC has faced unprecedented cost pressures that affect nearly every aspect of our operations — from the trucks our crews drive, to the poles and wire that deliver power, to the substations and generation resources that keep electricity flowing to your homes, farms, and businesses.
The costs of vehicles, fuel, labor, materials, and specialized equipment have risen sharply, in many cases by 20% to more than 100%. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, and increased demand for skilled labor have all contributed to higher expenses. Infrastructure investments, including substations, generation, and system upgrades needed to maintain reliability and meet future demand, have also become substantially more expensive.
Despite these challenges, Jay County REMC has remained steadfast in our commitment to our members. Through careful planning, strong financial management, and innovative operational strategies, we have worked diligently to absorb these rising costs rather than pass them on to you. By finding efficiencies, prioritizing investments, and making prudent long-term decisions, we have continued to provide dependable electric service without increasing rates during this period of heightened cost pressure.
It has always been our goal to be transparent with our members, and we are duty-bound to keep you informed as the electric industry continues to change and grow.
As a member-owned cooperative, every decision we make is guided by what is best for our membership — not shareholders. Our responsibility is to balance reliability, affordability, and long-term system health while remaining accountable to the members we serve. That responsibility has never been more important than it is today.
It has always been our goal to be transparent with our members, and we are duty-bound to keep you informed as the electric industry continues to change and grow. While the landscape around us is evolving rapidly, Jay County REMC remains steady and vigilant, with a constant focus on controlling costs and protecting our members from unnecessary financial burden. We will continue to monitor industry conditions closely and communicate openly as we navigate these challenges together — always with the goal of keeping your electric service reliable and your costs as low as possible.
