LPEA’s rates went into effect on April 1, 2025. In short, the base rate went up, the charge per kWh went down, and the Demand Charge increased significantly.
Key Changes in Rate Design (for residential members):
Increased Fixed Monthly Base Rate: The fixed monthly base rate that all members pay has increased.
Decreased Per-Kilowatt-Hour (kWh) Energy Charge: The energy charge per kWh has slightly decreased for the standard residential rate.
Increased Peak Power Charge: The "Peak Power Charge" has seen a significant increase for the General Service (A-10) rate. It's now $5.73 / kW / month (up from $3.30). This charge is based on your highest one-hour block of power consumption between 4 PM and 9 PM each month.
Impact on Solar Users (and Demand Charges):
Peak Power Charge: The increased Peak Power Charge is particularly relevant for solar users. While solar systems generate power during the day, they typically don't produce much, if any, power during the 4 PM to 9 PM peak window. This means solar users are still subject to this peak power charge if their consumption peaks during these hours.
Net Metering: LPEA still offers net metering, allowing solar users to receive credits for excess energy they send back to the grid. Solar can significantly reduce or eliminate the energy charge on a bill if sized correctly. However, the base charge, peak power charges, and other taxes/fees still apply.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates (Optional): LPEA offers an optional Residential Time-of-Use (RTOU-15) rate.
On-Peak (6 AM - 9 AM and 5 PM - 10 PM, Mon-Sat): $0.2828 / kWh
Off-Peak (10 PM - 6 AM and 9 AM - 5 PM, Mon-Sat; all day Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas): $0.0690 / kWh
The base charge for RTOU-15 is also $25.30 per month. This rate can be beneficial for solar users who can effectively shift a significant portion of their non-solar energy use to off-peak hours.