Understanding how Meeker Energy allocates each electric dollar in service to our members.
As a member-owned cooperative, Meeker Energy exists for one purpose: to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to the members we serve. Because you are not just a customer but a member-owner, you deserve to understand how your electric dollar is used.
When you pay your monthly bill, approximately 56.7% of every dollar goes to the cost of power. This is the wholesale cost of the electricity we purchase and deliver to your home, farm, or business. Meeker Energy does not generate its own electricity but purchases power from our wholesale providers and distributes it across our local system. These costs are influenced by wholesale system upgrades, new lines, new generation assets, fuel markets, generation resources, grid conditions, and overall demand, and they represent the largest portion of your bill.
Another 9.1% supports maintenance and operations. These dollars keep our distribution system strong and reliable by funding line work, pole inspections, tree trimming, equipment upgrades, substation improvements, and storm response. In Minnesota’s climate, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure power is there when you need it.
Approximately 10.9% covers customer, administrative, and general expenses, including billing services, member support, technology systems, office operations, and the employees who serve you each day. Whether you call with a question, report an outage, or participate in an energy management program, these resources allow us to provide the response you need.
Another 9.3% is allocated to depreciation. Electric infrastructure is built to last, but it does not last forever. Poles, wires, transformers, and substations must eventually be replaced. Depreciation allows us to plan for those future investments and manage costs gradually rather than through sudden rate increases.
Interest accounts for 10.1% of your electric dollar. Like most utilities, Meeker Energy finances major infrastructure projects over time. Borrowing responsibly allows us to upgrade the system while keeping rates as stable as possible.
Finally, 3.9% remains as operating margin. As a not-for-profit cooperative, margins are not profits paid to shareholders. Instead, they are reinvested into the system or returned to members as Capital Credits. When Meeker Energy performs well financially, members benefit directly.
Each portion reflects reliability, stewardship, and long-term planning. We continuously evaluate costs, pursue efficiencies, and advocate for our members. Our goal is to balance affordability with the investments required to maintain a safe, dependable electric system.
Thank you for being a member of Meeker Energy and for the trust you place in us. We remain committed to using every electric dollar wisely in service to our members.