Getting ready for winter: Helping members manage energy costs
by Eric Eriksen

The sun is shining on the San Luis Valley, but anyone who has lived here very long knows how quickly the season can turn. One morning we are watching golden fields, bright aspens and dust rising behind the last fall work. The next morning there is frost on the windshield, snow on the peaks and a furnace that has quietly become one of the most important appliances in the house.

At SLVREC, we know winter energy costs matter. They matter to families, farms, ranches, small businesses, schools, churches and everyone trying to plan a household budget. We feel those pressures too. That is why we always ask: What’s best for members?

As your local electric cooperative, our job is to keep power reliable, explain costs clearly and help members make informed choices. We cannot control every cost in the energy world, but we can be transparent, practical and helpful. That is part of “A Powerful Connection.”

As we look toward the new year, I want to share what to expect with electric rates. The cost of the wholesale energy SLVREC purchases on your behalf is increasing. At the same time, our cost to serve members through the local distribution system is rising. Rates can change for several reasons, including policy, environmental factors, inflation and how much the system is used. An independent cost-of-service study helps us understand what it costs to serve and assigns those costs fairly.

Proposed 2027 rates were presented to your elected board in September. The board is scheduled to vote in October at the regularly scheduled board meeting, followed by a 30-day public notice in November. If approved, the new rates would take effect January 1, 2027. We know every dollar matters, especially as winter approaches, and we’ll keep explaining the process, listening to members and sharing what the changes could mean for your bill.

Why winter bills can be higher
When temperatures drop, most homes simply use more energy, even if rates stay the same. Heating systems run longer. Water heaters work harder. Lights are on earlier in the evening. Families spend more time indoors. Even small appliances, stock tank heaters, engine block heaters and space heaters can add up quickly. A rate change is a separate factor that can also affect your bill.

A space heater is a good example. It may be small enough to carry from room to room, but it can use a lot of electricity if it runs for many hours. The same is true for electric heat tape, older baseboard heaters and equipment that cycles often in cold weather. The best place to start is not guilt or guesswork. The best place to start is understanding.

Simple steps that can help
Before winter settles in, a few simple steps can make a difference. Seal drafts around doors and windows. Change furnace filters. Open curtains on sunny days and close them after sunset. Make sure vents are not blocked. Use space heaters carefully and only where needed. If you have electric heat, consider small thermostat adjustments when you are sleeping or away from home.

Members may also want to look into weatherization, heating equipment rebates or assistance programs if they qualify. Colorado offers tools that can help households identify available energy savings, rebates, weatherization support and winter heating assistance. If you are unsure where to begin, call us. We can help point you in the right direction.

Flexible rate options
One area we continue to watch closely is flexible rate design. A flexible rate option can help some members better manage costs by giving them choices about when and how they use electricity. In plain language, some rate options may reward members for shifting certain energy use away from high-demand times, when the electric system is working the hardest.

That does not mean every member’s home, schedule or equipment is the same. It also does not mean members should be expected to rearrange their lives around an electric bill. It simply means that as technology improves, including advanced meters, better communication tools and improved system data, we can give members clearer information and better choices.

For some households, that might mean running a dishwasher later in the evening, doing laundry at a different time, charging an electric vehicle overnight or using smart thermostats to avoid heavy usage during peak demand. For others, the best answer may be weatherization, a heating system upgrade, or simply having better information before winter bills arrive.

Electric vehicle owners should pay special attention to these options. If you charge an EV at home, a time-of-day rate may provide a savings opportunity when you can shift most of that charging to lower-cost hours, often overnight. It is a simple example of how flexible rates can work for members: same electricity, same reliable service, but better timing that may help reduce costs.

Our commitment to you
SLVREC is the second oldest electric cooperative in Colorado. We serve about 13,000 members across more than 8,000 square miles. That is a large responsibility, and we take it seriously. Reliability, affordability, financial stewardship, strong communication and a skilled workforce are not just words in a strategic plan, they are the daily work of your cooperative.

As we plan for winter, we are also planning for the future: wildfire mitigation, grid automation, cybersecurity, better outage communication, advanced metering, fiber mapping and tools that help us serve members more effectively. The goal is simple: improving your future while keeping the lights on for you today.

If you have questions about your bill, usage, the proposed 2027 rates, winter energy costs or ways to prepare your home, please reach out. We’re here whenever you need us. Please let us know how we can serve you better. Expect passion, integrity and excellence from your cooperative team this winter and every season ahead.