Submitted by Orcas Power & Light Cooperative.
The 2025 OPALCO annual budget was approved at the Nov. 20 board meeting including a 6% rate increase for all members. This works out to an increase of approximately $11 per month for the average San Juan County residence. The budget forecasts 6% rate increases for each of the next five years to keep up with inflation, the rising costs of power and labor, and to manage the co-op’s equity position. The co-op uses equity to borrow federal funds to build essential capital projects, like the multiple submarine cable replacements that are scheduled over the next 10-20 years.
On Dec. 12, the board approved the 6% tariff increase. The board also committed to an extensive analysis of the OPALCO rate structure during 2025. Members will likely see some changes in the way their bills are allocated in 2026 and beyond. OPALCO wants members to be engaged throughout 2025 as we analyze the electric rates and how each type of energy user pays their share of the cost to deliver power to the San Juan Islands…