Over the last few years, and even after several BPA rate changes, Peninsula Light Company has retained low electric rates. PenLight has strategically planned system improvements and diligently budgeted for maintaining the top position in system reliability. “As your member-owned electric cooperative, we look at the impacts on the industry with a critical eye to see how we can reduce its impact to you, our members,” said Jafar Taghavi, PenLight’s CEO. “Our goal is to ensure efficient operations and maintain our outstanding member service.”
In response to post-pandemic industry stresses, PenLight’s Board of Directors at the November 2023 meeting approved a $3 increase to the monthly member electric base charge in April 2024, with an additional $1 increase in April 2025 Industry stresses include:
• Increased costs due to inflation
• Supply chain shortages
• Labor cost increases
To minimize the impact on member bills, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to postpone increases until April 2024, being mindful about peak heating season. PenLight understands that energy consumption varies member to member, so there is no planned increase to usage rates at this time.
Also, the Board of Directors approved an additional $50 annual benefit to PenLight’s payment assistance program, Project Help — increasing the annual benefit available to qualifying members to $250 per year to help offset the costs of their electric bill. For more information on eligibility please visit www.penlight.org/project-help.
Current base rate charge: $27
April 2024 base rate: $30
April 2025 base rate: $31
For reference, at right is how PenLight measures up to our neighboring utilities.
2024 and 2025 Monthly Utility Bill Comparison Charts (base charges included)
