Each year, irrigators receiving service from Big Country Electric Cooperative may select the rate option that best fits their operation. To simplify these choices, Big Country EC has eliminated Rate C because rate options A and B have proven more beneficial for our members. Any member currently on Rate C will be contacted directly to assist with this transition.
BCEC offers the following irrigation rate options.
Option A: Flat Rate
This option is a single, consistent charge of $0.116875 per kilowatt-hour for all kilowatt-hours used. This may work best for members who irrigate less frequently or only for short periods during the month.
Option B: Stepped Charge
This option is a tiered rate structure that may be more economical for irrigators with higher monthly usage.
- First 100 kWh per installed horsepower at $0.154776 per kilowatt-hour
- Next 100 kWh per installed horsepower at $0.100632 per kilowatt-hour
- Over 200 kWh per installed horsepower at $0.059482 per kilowatt-hour
How To Choose
There is an annual charge of $19.50 per horsepower (minimum $97.50), billed in April. If you have a center pivot, multiply your total drive horsepower on your pivot by 25% to determine the billing horsepower for your center pivot. Then add the horsepower for your pump to calculate your total billing horsepower. It is important that we have your correct horsepower so that we can bill your account accurately.
In choosing between options A and B, it’s essential to determine how often you will be watering. If you water more than 45% of the month, on average, over the course of a year, Option B may be the better choice. If you begin watering during the last few days of a month and run over into the next month only a few days, you may not fully utilize the benefits of choosing Option B.
Important Reminders
Irrigation rate selections are made annually and cannot be changed during the year once selected. Therefore, please carefully review the options above when selecting your annual rate.
Irrigation rate reminder letters will not be mailed this year.
Making Your Selection
You may make or change your irrigation rate option by calling your local BCEC office or submitting your selection online.
If no action is taken by March 31, your irrigation service will remain in its current rate class. If you have any questions or would like help determining which option best fits your operation, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re happy to help.
