Columbia REA announces 2025 rate adjustment
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Members of the Columbia Rural Electric Association will see a rate increase starting on Jan. 1, 2025. An average increase of about 9.5 percent will be implemented across all rate classifications.
Columbia REA said the increase is necessary to offset the significant cost increases of nearly all the materials required to maintain its system, as well as the rising cost of wholesale power purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration.
Over the past five years, primary overhead wire has increased 97 percent, pole mounted transformers have increased 98 percent, and power poles have increased 56 percent.
Additionally, custom-fitted vehicle costs and the cost of fuel have increased about 35 percent. Columbia REA Communications and Community Engagement Manager Doug Case said this rate adjustment is necessary for no other reason than to be able to continue to deliver safe, reliable, affordable electricity to its members.
