Nolin RECC to pass along rate increase from power provider

Landmark News Service

The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved a request by Nolin RECC to pass along to its members a rate increase from its wholesale power provider, East Kentucky Power Cooperative.

The rate increase was effective April 1. The decision will increase the average monthly residential power bill by about $6.75, which is about 6 percent.

"We understand our members are facing rising costs, so Nolin is doing all it can to hold costs down while providing reliable, affordable power to our members," said Mickey Miller, Nolin RECC president and CEO.  

EKPC sought the rate increase in order to recover the costs associated with a new $528 million generating unit and to ensure that the cooperative continues to meet its financial obligations. The new power plant is needed to meet increasing demand for power among the members of Kentucky's cooperatives.

Nolin and EKPC are both not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives based in Kentucky. The rates of both cooperatives are regulated by the PSC, a government agency that oversees utilities in Kentucky.

Nolin offers budget billing, Miller said, which helps to smooth out the month-to-month variability of power costs.

The cooperative also offers free energy audits. Professional energy advisors will visit members' homes, analyze their power usage and offer tips for improving efficiency and increasing savings.

Nolin offers SimpleSavings information bulletins, which provide step-by-step instructions for some easy, affordable projects that can substantially improve efficiency.

They also offer other Touchstone Energy Living programs to increase efficiency and comfort.

For more information on Nolin RECC energy-efficiency programs, visit www.nolinrecc.com.