DeFuniak Springs (April 15, 2025) – Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CHELCO) has announced a distribution rate adjustment, effective April 1, 2025, to help manage the rising costs of providing reliable electric service. The distribution rate adjustment comes following a 12-month study by an independent rate consultant.

For residential members, the Basic Service Charge will increase by $6 — from $29 to $35 per month. Additionally, the Distribution Delivery charge will increase slightly with the elimination of the Distribution Cost Adjustment (DCA). For the average residential member using 1,100 kilowatt-hours per month, this results in an estimated monthly increase of $8.08, or approximately 5.1%. Members will see the new rates reflected in their May 2025 bills.

CHELCO has worked diligently to control costs and maintain stable distribution rates, with only a moderate 3.5% adjustment in 2024 and no other increases since 2013. In fact, the cooperative implemented two distribution rate decreases during that time. Since 2013, general inflation has risen nearly 40%. Unfortunately, many of CHELCO's material and equipment costs have risen even higher.

CHELCO CEO Steve Rhodes announced the distribution rate adjustment to its membership on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at their Annual Meeting.

“Over the past few years, our community has experienced significant growth,” Rhodes said. “While we are excited to see new businesses and families join our area, this rapid expansion has also placed a considerable strain on our resources.”

This distribution rate adjustment ensures that current co-op members are paying their fare share of costs being incurred to operate and maintain the system now and into the future.

CHELCO offers a variety of programs to help members manage their energy use and costs, including energy efficiency consultations and flexible payment options. Members who need assistance paying their bills are encouraged to call CHELCO Member Services at (850) 892-2111 or email memberservices@chelco.com.

For more information about the new rates, energy-saving tips, or to access a bill calculator, visit https://www.chelco.com/.

CHELCO is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 70,000 accounts in Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes and Santa Rosa counties.