Altamaha EMC Retail Rate Adjustment
Effective November 1, 2026
Keeping Our Rates Affordable. Investing in Our Future.
At Altamaha EMC, our goal has always been to provide our members with safe, reliable
electricity at the most affordable price possible. For nearly a decade, we have worked
to maintain stable electric rates while managing increases in the cost of providing service.
After a comprehensive rate study, Altamaha EMC's Board of Directors has approved a 4.5% retail
rate adjustment effective November 1, 2026.
This adjustment is necessary to help Altamaha EMC keep pace with rising costs while continuing
to maintain and improve the electric system our members depend on every day.
Why Are Rates Changing?
Nearly 10 Years Without a Rate Increase
Altamaha EMC has not implemented a retail rate increase in nearly a decade. During that time,
we have worked to control expenses and absorb increasing costs wherever possible.
However, the cost of providing reliable electric service has continued to rise.
The Cost of Power Has Increased
The cost of generating and purchasing electricity has increased over the years. As electricity
demand continues to grow, Altamaha EMC must also plan for the future and make sure we have the
power supply and infrastructure needed to serve our members.
Everything We Use to Maintain the System Costs More
The materials and equipment required to maintain our electric system have increased in price.
This includes transformers, poles, copper, aluminum, wire and other essential equipment and supplies.
These materials are necessary to maintain our system, make repairs and restore power when outages occur.
Our System Is Growing
Altamaha EMC continues to invest in and expand our electric infrastructure as our communities grow.
New homes, businesses and industries require additional power lines, equipment, substations and system
capacity. We must continue investing today to make sure our system is ready to meet tomorrow's demand.
What Is Changing?
Beginning November 1, 2026, Altamaha EMC's retail rates will increase approximately 4.5%.
The monthly residential facilities charge will also increase from $20 to $25.
Security lighting rates will be adjusted slightly, with members seeing an increase of approximately $0.50 to $2.00 per month, depending on the type of lighting service.
How Will This Affect My Bill?
The impact of the rate adjustment will depend on how much electricity you use each month.
For example, a member using 700 kWh per month would see an estimated increase of about $5.35 per month, or 18 cents per day. A member using 1,000 kWh would see an increase of approximately $6.88 per month, or 23 cents per day. At 1,500 kWh, the estimated increase is about $9.31 per month, or 31 cents per day. A member using 2,000 kWh would see an increase of approximately $11.73 per month, or 39 cents per day.
These are examples only. Actual bills will vary based on individual electricity usage and applicable charges.
Why Is Altamaha EMC Adjusting Rates Now?
For nearly 10 years, Altamaha EMC has worked to keep rates stable while costs continued to increase.
However, maintaining an electric system is a significant investment. We must cover the increasing cost of power, materials, equipment, labor, maintenance and infrastructure while also preparing for continued growth in our service territory.
A comprehensive rate study helped us evaluate our current rates and determine what adjustments are necessary to continue providing reliable service while keeping rates as affordable as possible.
Where Does My Electric Bill Go?
Your electric bill helps pay for much more than the electricity itself.
Member rates help Altamaha EMC cover the costs of:
- Purchasing and generating electricity
- Maintaining thousands of miles of power lines
- Poles, transformers and other equipment
- Right-of-way maintenance
- System upgrades and improvements
- Substations and distribution infrastructure
- Vehicles, equipment and materials
- Employees who maintain the system and respond to outages
- Preparing the system for future growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't Altamaha EMC raised rates in nearly 10 years?
Altamaha EMC has worked hard to manage expenses and absorb increasing costs without passing those increases directly to members. However, the cost of providing electric service has continued to rise, and an adjustment is now necessary.
How much will my bill increase?
The adjustment is approximately 4.5%, but the actual dollar amount will vary depending on your monthly electricity usage and applicable charges.
Why does Altamaha EMC need to raise rates?
The cost of generation, materials, equipment, maintenance and infrastructure has increased. At the same time, our system continues to grow. The adjustment will help us maintain reliable service and continue investing in the system.
Is Altamaha EMC making more money from the rate increase?
Altamaha EMC is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative. Rates are designed to recover the costs of providing electric service and maintain the financial strength necessary to operate and invest in the system.
When will the new rates take effect?
The new rates will take effect November 1, 2026.
Will my bill increase by exactly 4.5%?
Not necessarily. The 4.5% represents the overall retail rate adjustment. The actual change to an individual bill will depend on electricity usage and the specific charges that apply to that member's account.
What is the residential facilities charge?
The residential facilities charge helps recover some of the costs associated with maintaining the electric system that don't change based on how much electricity a member uses. Beginning October 1, the monthly residential facilities charge will be $25.
Will security lighting rates change?
Yes. Security lighting rates will increase approximately $0.50 to $2.00 per month, depending on the type of lighting service.
Looking Ahead
We understand that no one likes to see their electric bill increase. We also understand that many families and businesses are managing higher costs in other areas.
This decision was not made lightly.
Our goal is to make sure Altamaha EMC remains in a strong position to maintain reliable service, manage rising costs, invest in our infrastructure and prepare for future growth.
We will continue looking for ways to improve efficiency, control costs and operate responsibly. Most importantly, we will continue working to provide our members with the safe, reliable electricity they expect at the most affordable price possible.
Thank you for your continued support of Altamaha EMC and for allowing us to serve you.