Rate Structures & Fees

Rate Structure and Fees Effective April 2026

  Southwest Electric Cooperative’s board of directors approved a rate adjustment for all members and rate classes effective with the April 2026 billing statements. This will be SWEC’s first rate increase since 2024. This rate adjustment is needed due to significant cost pressures -- both from our power suppliers who generate the electricity we deliver to you and from the rising costs of materials, equipment, and essential infrastructure.

  This board approved rate adjustment is for all members and rate classes. The rate adjustment will take place in March and will be reflected on the April 2026 billing statements.


Rate adjustment frequently asked questions.

Single Phase Service (most residential and small commercial)

Charge Current Rate New Rate Beginning April 2026
Availability Charge $30.00 $32.00
Energy Charge per kWh $0.095 $0.105

Three Phase Service

Charge Current Rate New Rate Beginning April 2026
Availability Charge $30.00 $32.00
Energy Charge per kWh $0.095 $0.105
Demand Charge $4.75 (no charge for first 20 KWD) Remains the same

Prepaid Billing

Charge Current Rate New Rate Beginning April 2026
Prepaid Daily charge $1.40 Remains the same
Energy Charge per kWh $0.095 $0.105

  • Availability Charge

    The Availability Charge is a flat fee charged to all services to recover a portion of the costs required to make electricity available to your service 24-hours a day. Examples of these costs include the poles, wires, transformers, equipment, personnel, offices, etc. needed to build and maintain Southwest's system. The availability charge does not include electric usage. Electric usage is billed under the Energy Charge which is any kilowatts used during the billing period multiplied by the current per kilowatt-hour rate.

  • Minimum Demand Charge

    The Minimum Demand Charge is based upon the transformer size and included in the three phase contract.

  • Automatic Dusk to Dawn Light

    Automatic dusk to dawn lights are available with a $20 installation fee and are billed $7.50 per month with an existing service. Stand-alone lights are available for a $220 installation fee and billed at $10.50 per month. All maintenance and energy usage are included in the monthly fee.

  • Late Fees & Delinquents

    • A late fee of 10% will be applied to any amount unpaid by the current balance due date.
    • A $20.00 fee will be assessed on all returned checks.

    Collection Fees for Delinquent Accounts:

    • $20.00 - Service Charge
    • $20.00 - Reconnection Fee (during business hours)
    • $25.00 - Reconnection Fee (after hours for meters with automatic connect/disconnect)
    • $180.00 - Reconnection Fee (after hours when dispatching a crew is necessary)