Members of East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative are voicing concerns over their rising electricity bills. Customers from Beggs, Mounds, Okmulgee, and Henryetta are particularly vocal about unexpected increases, prompting many to join a Facebook group for discussions and support.
Significant Increases in Electricity Bills
Recent reports reveal alarming hikes in monthly bills. Some residents have faced charges hundreds of dollars higher than previous months. For instance, one individual reported a bill of $765 last month, while another received a $540 bill this month. Karen Noland from Beggs mentioned her December bill was nearly $600.
Customer Concerns and Budgeting Challenges
Many residents express that the unpredictability of their bills adds stress to financial planning. Noland articulates this sentiment, stating, “We don’t know what to expect or how to budget for our electric.” She also identifies that comparing kilowatt-hour usage often reveals astonishing totals that contribute to higher bills.
This unpredictability is particularly troubling for families on fixed incomes. Noland commented that even when rates decrease, they typically rise again, leading to ongoing uncertainty. She worries about her financial stability upon retirement when bills may become increasingly challenging to manage.
Call for Transparency
Residents are calling for greater transparency from the cooperative. They are requesting thorough audits of electric meters to understand their usage calculations better. Many hope that this will help clarify the reasons behind the rising costs.
Responses from East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
The cooperative acknowledged that some members have noted unusually high bills. They attributed these increases to standard adjustments in the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) and Consumer Cost Adjustment (CCA), which peaked in November. The CCA helps in managing costs without frequent base rate increases, returning surplus funds to members when feasible. Over the past five years, the CCA has mostly remained at zero, with over $2 million returned to members in 2023.
Looking ahead, the cooperative has committed to transparency and community engagement. They plan to host member forums in 2026 to facilitate education and discussion. Members will soon receive invitations to these forums, and the cooperative encourages open communication to address any issues.
