Empire Electric Association’s wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has approved their 2026 budget resulting in a rate increase on average of 7.5%. The increase will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Power that EEA purchases from Tri-State represents between 50-60% of EEA member bills. EEA anticipates member bills to increase 3.75 – 4.5% once the new rate takes effect. EEA does not currently anticipate an increase in their base rates.
Tri-State’s rate increase is being driven by increased maintenance costs on their aging thermal generators, ownership costs related to new solar generators coming online in 2025, less dependence on deferred revenue compared to prior years, and higher costs for purchased power including a substantial increase from Basin Electric, a key wholesale power supplier.
To find out more about Tri-State’s budget and rate change, click the link below:
Tri-State’s Board of Directors approves 2026 budget and rate change
