National Co-op Month is a time to celebrate what makes electric cooperatives like Noble REMC special. And while electric rates might not be the most thrilling topic, they highlight an important part of what sets us apart.

You may have seen headlines recently about rising electricity costs. A July report from the Citizens Action Coalition shared that Indianas investor-owned utilities (lOUs) raised rates by an average of 17.5% over the past year.

At Noble REMC, weve taken a different path we havent raised our rates in nine years. Thats something were proud of, especially knowing how rising costs affect families, farms and businesses in our community.

Our power provider, Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WVPA), has also worked hard to keep rates steady, averaging just a 1% increase per year over the past decade. That stability hasnt come easy with challenges like the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and extreme weather.

But through thoughtful planning and teamwork, weve kept your costs stable.

Looking ahead, were continuing to invest in smart solutions that can help us manage energy more efficiently and keep rates affordable in the future. The demand for electricity is escalating at unprecedented levels, and its our mission to be prepared to meet those needs.

Its important to remember that serving rural areas comes with unique challenges. Noble REMC averages just seven members per mile of line, compared to 34 for lOUs. That means higher delivery costs but weve shown we can manage those responsibly.

At the end of the day, were here to serve you. Our decisions arent made in faraway boardrooms; theyre made right here at home, by people who live and work in the same communities you do.

That’s the cooperative difference. And during National Co-op Month, we’re especially proud to celebrate it with you.