Rates
Letter from the CEO
Dear Member,
If you’ve purchased anything lately, you know that prices have risen considerably. Consumers across the country are feeling the impact of rising costs of goods and services. Even though electric rates at Habersham EMC have been the same since 2014 (nine years), you will see an increase in your electric services beginning with bills received on or after June 1, 2023.
We strive to provide you with safe, affordable, and reliable energy. Several factors impact our rates such as goods and services, purchased power, interest rates, and inflation.
I understand the economic challenges you, our member, face as rising costs affect all aspects of our daily lives. While an increase is never easy, it is needed for us to continue providing the great service you count on.
Increases will vary. As an example, a residential member on the Farm & Home rate using 1,000 kWh in a month, will see an increase of about $12 to $14 per month.
Please visit our website at https://www.habershamemc.com/billing/rates. You will find information regarding specific material increases that we’ve faced, specific rate class increases, energy saving resources, and more. Additionally, our member services team is available to assist you Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM via phone, chat or in-person visits.
I’m proud of the focus our coop has placed on reliability, as we work to provide you with the highest level of customer service.
Thank you for your membership, your trust in your cooperative, and for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Bryan Ferguson
President & CEO
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 2023 Rate Change:
Increases will vary. As an example, a residential member on the Farm & Home rate using 1,000 kWh in a month, will see an increase of about $12 to $14 per month.
Click the links below to view the Farm & Home and Seasonal Rates effective June 1, 2023.
The new rates will go into effect in June 1, 2023.
Habersham EMC has been able to maintain our rates structure for over 9 years (since 2014).
We strive to provide you with safe, affordable, and reliable energy. Several factors impact our rates such as goods and services, purchased power, interest rates, and inflation. Examples of some of our commonly used items and their increase over the last 4 years are:
- Transformers
- 25 KVA Overhead transformers have increased 133%
- 25 KVA Underground transformers have increased 126%
- Crossarms (at the top of power poles) have increased 102%
- Wire
- Primary wire (main lines) has increased 66%
- Triplex wire (that serves homes & businesses) has increased 184%
- Conduit has increased 415%
- 45-foot class 4 poles have increased 48%
WPCA stands for Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment. WPCA is a rate that adjusts for changes in purchase power costs (such as generation capacity and fuel). The monthly charge can be an addition, subtraction or zero and can fluctuate from month to month.
Plant Vogtle is not causing this increase. Habersham EMC has prepared and budgeted for Plant Vogtle over the next several years. Plant Vogtle will be a great asset for us over the next 80 years.
HEMC offers energy calculators, tips, an online energy audit tool, and energy efficiency loan information under the Energy Management section of this website.
- The online energy audit can be customized based on your home’s construction, heat sources, appliances, electronic devices, and the number of occupants.
You can also monitor your energy usage through the SmartHub portal and mobile app. SmartHub empowers you to manage your consumption through usage alerts, as well as track daily usage. Get instructions and access to SmartHub here.
Energy efficiency loans are available through HEMC and Go Energy Financial (Georgia EMC’s Federal credit union). HVAC and water heating equipment may be eligible for rebates from HEMC. The following loans are available based on approval (terms and conditions aply):
- HEMC
- Up to $10,000 to upgrade your HVAC system
- Go Energy Financial
- HVAC systems
- Generators
- Windows
- Roofs
- Insulation
