As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, our mission has stayed the same for more than 85 years: to provide you with safe, reliable electricity at only the cost of delivering it.
Like many household expenses in recent years, the cost of delivering electricity has increased. We’ve worked to manage these increases through careful planning, tight cost controls, and investments in local, fixed-cost clean energy, which helps keep prices more stable over time.
Even so, some costs are beyond our control. Rising grid infrastructure expenses and higher charges from Xcel Energy for transmission and backup power have exceeded what we can fully offset. To continue providing the reliable service you expect, and to keep the cooperative financially sound, we need to make some adjustments, effective April 2026.
Unlike past increases that focused mainly on the Energy Charge or fixed Customer Charge, this proposal introduces or raises the monthly Demand Charge for all members. This change more accurately reflects our rising infrastructure and transmission costs, while also giving you more control over your bill by reducing your peak demand.
We encourage you to review the proposed changes at the link below and share any questions or feedback with the Board of Directors by Friday, February 6.
You wouldn’t build a church only big enough for a quiet weekday service, or a highway sized for midnight traffic. Similarly, we have to build and maintain an electric grid with the capacity to handle the highest levels of electricity our members “demand” at any given moment, even if those peaks occur only for short periods.
Your electricity can be measured in two ways:
Energy is measured like the odometer in your car; it’s how much electricity you use over time (in kWh, or kilowatt hours)
Demand, on the other hand, is like the speedometer; it reflects the highest amount of electricity you use at any single moment (in kW, or kilowatts)
Learn more at the link below about how demand works—and how a few simple changes to spread out electricity use will be able to help lower your demand and save you money each month under our proposed new rate structure.
Our energy efficiency and electrification rebates are designed to reduce long-term costs, not only for our members, but for the co-op as a whole. By helping members use energy more efficiently and lower peak demand, these programs can avoid expensive grid upgrades, strengthen reliability, and help keep rates more stable for everyone.
In our latest letter to members, Energy Programs Manager Lisa Reed explains how these rebates work, why they benefit all members (even those who don’t use them), and how they align with our cooperative’s mission.
Thankfully, power outages lasting more than a few hours are uncommon in our area, and our crews work 24/7 in all weather conditions to restore power.
But severe weather and other factors beyond anyone’s control can occasionally lead to longer outages. Having a few basics on hand (like flashlights, water, and a battery-powered phone charger) can make those rare moments a lot less stressful.
For peace of mind, we’ve put together a simple one-page outage preparedness checklist that you can review or print at any time. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved, too!
As electric vehicles become a more common part of life on the Western Slope, we’re here to help EV charging become more convenient at multifamily housing complexes, where it can be more difficult for residents to access charging at home.
High school students of Holy Cross Energy members have a unique opportunity to explore leadership, public service, and the power of cooperation this summer. The application period ends soon for two cooperative youth programs:
Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs
Students selected will join peers from across the country to learn how electric cooperatives work, build leadership skills, and experience unforgettable travel and hands-on learning. From walking the halls of Congress to tackling team challenges in the mountains, these programs are designed to inspire the next generation of leaders.
If you know a student who is curious, motivated, and ready to learn beyond the classroom, encourage them to apply. Applications are due January 16, with limited spots available!