On January 16, 2025, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative announced a power cost adjustment to help reduce home energy bills beginning this month and the launch of a $100 smart thermostat rebate program.

Effective earlier this week, Blue Ridge Electric implemented a power cost adjustment (PCA) to benefit all members, which will be reflected in bills received beginning this month. A PCA reflects the actual cost of power, accounting for fluctuations in production or purchase expenses. This action reflects energy costs coming in lower than the cooperative projected following Hurricane Helene.

The monthly impact of the adjustment to the energy charge for a residential member using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month is a decrease of $15, from $104.40 to $89.40. Depending on energy usage, cooperative members can expect an average reduction of up to 5 percent on their next bill.

The cooperative’s board of directors unanimously voted to begin the program to help members conveniently save money and offset the initial cost of a new smart thermostat. By the end of the month, direct communication will be sent to all Blue Ridge members on how to participate in the program and receive a $100 credit on their next utility bill. Members can also learn more about the rebate on the cooperative’s social media channels or visit blueridge.coop/smart.

“This rebate program allows members to save money on their next utility bill with this credit, and all future bills to come by efficiently programming their home’s temperature every season,” President and CEO Jim Lovinggood said. “We believe Blue Ridge members will be eager to take advantage of this opportunity as we remain in a cold weather pattern.”