JACKSON, Wyo. — For the third time in less than two years, Lower Valley Energy (LVE) announced late last week that it will implement a rate hike on electric service.
The 2% increase, which was disclosed in an email to LVE customers on Dec. 31, 2025, stems from an “unexpected surcharge” from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and other power supply-related costs. The surcharge from BPA was triggered by financial reserves falling to a lower-than-expected level. When contacted for comment, LVE directed Buckrail to previously published statements.
“Lower Valley Energy must implement a 2% electric rate increase, effective February 1, 2026, in response to an unanticipated surcharge of approximately $600,000 from BPA and a $500,000 revenue decrease from Grant County [Public Utility District],” LVE President and CEO Jim Webb said in the email.
According to LVE, the rate hike will go into effect in February. It is the third time the utility company has raised the cost of electric service since October of 2024. Before that, electric rates had not been increased since 2017. October 2024 saw an increase of 6%, and October 2025 saw a 7.9% hike.
BPA announced on Dec. 11, 2025, that the surcharge would go into effect due to years of low water and the high cost of buying replacement power. The new hike amounts to an increase exceeding 15% in the last 16 months.
“Our Board of Directors carefully evaluated all available options before determining that this surcharge was unavoidable,” said the email and accompanying announcement online. “We work hard to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the country while maintaining a high standard of reliability.”
