Fall River Coop to absorb BPA rate hike

In spite of an announced increase in Bonneville Power Administration wholesale power rates and transmission rates, the Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative has announced it will not immediately increase its customer rate schedules at this time.

During its September meeting, the Fall River board of directors postponed both the residential demand charge and net metering review, but did note unanimously to absorb the BPA rate hike now and not increase rates to its owner-member customers.

BPA had announced it would raise its rates by 6.1 percent effective October 1, 2017.

Fall River CEO and General Manager Bryan Case said the action was possible due to a nine-year effort to improve equity in the cooperative.

“This success in improving our financial fitness was a major feat and required the concerted efforts of the board and Fall River employees,” said Case.