New Electricity prices took affect January 1st, 2026. All CME prices are contained in the 3 primary rate schedules. All schedules include four components and are designed to capture the costs associated with the purchase and distribution of electricity. They are as follows:
- Service Charge: charge to provide electric service at any given location.
- Energy Charge: charge for the cost per kilowatt/hour consumed.
- Capacity Charge: charge for costs related to the maximum required demand placed on the distribution system.
- Coincidental Demand Charge: charge for demand at the peak usage time on the transmission system.
Watch a video of Manager Russell Gall explaining the four components: https://youtu.be/xnzvKzzocTI
As an electric cooperative, rates are set by the directors of the cooperative. These directors are elected by and from the members of Charles Mix Electric to make up a seven member board of directors. The rates they approve not only affect the members, but each and every one of these board members directly. Their careful consideration is one of due diligence as they work to ensure the cooperative is successful. This form of governance is a system of self-regulation of rates, permitting at-cost operation. Thus, rates are not reviewed or approved by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.