2024 Rate Adjustment

We are a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, and we strive each day to hold down costs while still providing the reliable, quality service you expect and deserve.

Due to the increasing costs of power, material, equipment, and operating expenses over the last few years, we will be implementing a 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that will take effect on January 1, 2024.

We don’t take rate increases lightly. The last time Butte Electric implemented a rate change was in 2020, and we have done everything possible to minimize the impact of inflationary costs on you, our member-owners. If you have any questions or want to learn how to save money on your bill, please call us at (605) 456-2494 or stop by our Newell or Spearfish office Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM - 4 PM.

Rate Increase Q&A

Due to the continued inflationary pressures, the rate increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of production, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements to our system. These upgrades will ensure safe, reliable energy for our members.

We are implementing a 2.5% increase for members.

  • The kilowatt hour (KWH) rate will increase by a quarter of a cent ($.0025 per KWH)
  • The heat rate by two-tenths of a cent ($.002 per KWH)
  • The demand charge (KW) by twenty cents ($.20 per KW) (Applies to large commercial, irrigation, and grain system rates only)

For the average household, this means an approximate $2 increase on their monthly bill. (The average residential account uses 800 kWh.)

The change will appear on the monthly statements of our members effective January 1, 2024.

The last time Butte Electric implemented a rate change was in 2020, and we have done everything possible to minimize the impact of inflationary costs on our members.

Butte Electric has been able to keep its distribution expenses (expenses we have some control over) nearly flat for many years. However, with the rapid growth in our area, we will need to make infrastructure upgrades to our power system so we can continue to provide reliable power to our membership.

We are also working to represent you and the electric cooperative’s interests in Pierre and Washington D.C. to try and minimize the financial impacts of state and federal regulations.

We are a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative. We exist to serve our members with reliable affordable power and any margins (profits) we receive are invested into the electric system or allocated to you in the form of capital credits. 

We are committed to helping members manage their energy usage. We also have several assistance programs available for members.

  • Save money on your bill by participating in our rebate programs.
  • Monitor your energy usage with the free SmartHub App. Statistics show that greater awareness of your household's usage can lead to lower electric bills.
  • Schedule a free energy audit to examine your home's energy efficiency with one of our energy specialists by calling (605)456-2494.
  • Members have local and statewide energy assistance programs available to them.