Northwestern REC is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by you, the members, and governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. Your cooperative is accountable to consumer-members, not outside investors, and works hard to provide reliable power and quality customer service at the lowest possible cost. Your cooperative works to control costs, but inflationary pressures have raised the costs of wholesale power and delivering that power to our members beyond what we can control.

It might be helpful to note that the last time Northwestern REC had any increase in the kWh delivery charge was in April 2008. Before any decisions are made, the co-op performs an extensive Cost of Service Study. Our last study was completed in February 2023. Your board of directors and co-op staff examined every option before approving the Oct. 1, 2024 rate increase.

Our residential rate (single phase) will increase by little more than one penny - or in other words - the delivery charge will increase from $0.10104 per kWh to $0.11115 per kWh. The monthly Service Availability charge will not be changing on Oct. 1, 2024. Our last residential rate increase was in April 2008. Energy efficiency and conservation can help you lower this portion of your electric bill.

For information about your specific rate, visit the Rates page.

The Service Availability charge is a fixed charge that covers a portion of the expenses the co-op incurs to make sure you have electricity available at any given time. The tangibles the cost-of-service charge covers are trimming and clearing rights-of-way, trucks and equipment, poles, meters and wires, computer systems, and software. Whether you use any electricity or not, those tangibles have to be in place and ready when you flip the switch.

The new rates are effective on Oct. 1, 2024, and will be reflected on your bill thereafter. 

 The Cooperative’s Board of Directors continuously monitors the financial stability of the organization to determine if or when a rate increase is necessary. To establish the new rate structure, an independent, experienced third-party firm reviewed and recommended changes to our rates. 

 The Cooperative’s Board of Directors are elected by members to represent their interests and those of the cooperative. The board works to see that Northwestern REC operates conservatively and is efficient in its operations and management, making decisions after considering the best interests of all cooperative members. The board thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the proposals. Members may contact board members at any time via electronic means or phone call to express their concerns. Send your email to info@northwesternrec.com.

We're always looking for ways to manage costs, which may include volume purchasing, energy efficiency programs, and the implementation of new technologies. We also remain committed to providing reliable service to our members. Doing so requires that system maintenance programs, such as right-of-way clearing and pole inspection, be continued and investments be made to train our employees, replace aging equipment, and rebuild and upgrade our electric distribution system.

In 2023, Northwestern REC applied 100% of its deferred revenue fund to help lessen the impact of a Service Availability charge increase on the members. Our generation and transmission cooperative, Allegheny Electric Cooperative, applied 50% of its rainy day fund for the same purpose.

Northwestern REC offers a number of ways to help you manage your power bill. Some of those services include automatic payment options, budget billing, energy audits, and energy efficiency programs. For more information on improving the energy efficiency of your home or business, check out the Together We Save menu, or our Energy Efficiency page. You can also contact our member services department toll-free at 800-352-0014.

Some general energy savings tips include:

• Reduce your water heater temp from 140 degrees to 120 – the recommended setting according to the U.S. Department of Energy – to save about $2 per month.>
• Use cold water for laundry. The average home does 3-5 loads per week. Switching to cold water could save $6 to $13.75 per month.
• Don’t leave your Keurig coffee maker on all day. Doing so would cost almost $9 per month.

Programs are available for eligible consumers who need assistance with their electric bill. A list of resources is online: Paying my bill & Payment Assistance

You can also call member services at 800-352-0014.

Ensuring your future electric needs and protecting our precious natural resources are two things we take very seriously. We are proud to be part owners of the William F. Matson Generating Station at Lake Raystown, the first hydroelectric project in Pennsylvania to be certified by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, a non-profit organization that helps ensure environmentally responsible hydro power production.

In an effort to promote energy conservation, we offer free energy audits, as well as free 24/7 electric water heater service and a free electric water heater when needed.

Northwestern REC is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which participates in the Ag Energy Working Group, a coalition of 400 organizations focused on generating 25% of our nation’s energy from renewable, homegrown resources by 2025. NRECA also works to develop renewable energy partnerships with the federal government.