To Our Members:

Baldwin EMC has been fortunate to enjoy an extended period of stable rates, thanks to our commitment to safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Recently, we have seen substantial increases in the costs of the materials, supplies and services we rely on to deliver power to our members.

In order for us to continue providing safe and reliable electricity, it has become necessary for us to implement a rate adjustment for residential members. Effective March 1, 2023, our basic member service charge will increase by $7 per month, from $37.95 to $44.95. The first time you’ll see this change will be on your March electric bill.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about these changes. Please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below, or contact our member service department at (251) 989-6247.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: Why is Baldwin EMC adjusting its rates?
ANSWER: This rate adjustment is necessary to maintain the quality and reliability of the electric service Baldwin EMC provides to more than 85,000 meters in Baldwin and Monroe counties. With our current rates, it is no longer possible for the cooperative to cover our operating costs and still maintain the quality of service our members expect and deserve. Our last rate increase took place seven years ago in 2016. Since then, we have seen substantial increases in the costs of the materials, supplies and services we rely on to deliver power to our members. This rate adjustment will make it possible for our basic service charge to more closely reflect the actual cost of providing service to our members.

QUESTION: When can I expect to see the rate adjustment on my bill?
ANSWER: The rate adjustment will take effect on March 1, 2023. The change will first appear on March electric bills.

QUESTION: How is this going to affect my bill?
ANSWER: The basic member service charge for residential members will increase by $7 per month, from $37.95 to $44.95.

QUESTION: How do Baldwin EMC’s rates compare to other local utilities?
ANSWER: With this rate adjustment, Baldwin EMC’s rates will still be very comparable to and in some cases lower than those of other utilities in our area.

QUESTION: What is Baldwin EMC doing to keep costs down?
ANSWER: Baldwin EMC continually looks for ways to operate more efficiently and keep expenses down.  We’ve been able to delay increases for the past seven years by implementing a number of cost-saving measures, such as Prepay Power and our paperless billing program. We use technology like our advanced metering infrastructure to improve the efficiency of our operations, which further reduces our expenses. Baldwin EMC also operates according to the cooperative business model, which means we don’t set our rates to make a profit. Our rates are based on a thorough analysis of what it costs us to serve our members. If we take in more revenue than we need for our operations, those margins are returned to members.

QUESTION:  Who decided on this rate adjustment?
ANSWER:  Baldwin EMC’s Board of Trustees has final say on all decisions regarding rates. Our board and executive staff constantly monitor the financial stability of the cooperative, while also planning for Baldwin EMC’s future needs. The decision to implement a rate adjustment was based on an analysis of what it’s currently costing Baldwin EMC to serve our members and the cooperative’s financial forecast.

QUESTION: When was the last time Baldwin EMC had a rate change?
ANSWER: Our last rate adjustment took place in March of 2016. Since that time, we have worked hard to delay increasing rates, while the costs of providing electricity and doing business has continued to go up.

QUESTION:  Will the rate go up again next year?
ANSWER:  A lot of different things can affect future rate adjustments; however, we don’t have plans for another rate change in the immediate future.

QUESTION: How can I reduce my bill?
ANSWER: The amount of your electric bill is based on how much power you use each month. Baldwin EMC offers a number of programs to help you manage your energy use, including website energy calculators, Prepay Power, energy audits, and energy efficiency programs. To learn more, visit our website, www.baldwinemc.com, or call us at (251) 989-6247.

QUESTION: How were members notified about this rate adjustment?
ANSWER: A letter announcing the rate adjustment was mailed to all residential members on January 31, 2023. Announcements were also made in the February issue of Alabama Living magazine and the Member Matters e-newsletter, as well as on our printed bills, the Baldwin EMC app and website.

QUESTION: What should I do if I’m concerned about my ability to pay my bill?
Please call our member service center at (251) 989-6247 so we can discuss the options that are available for you.