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Report Outage: 866-511-9862

80th Annual Meeting of Members

Monday, May 19

Cape Hatteras Secondary School

Dinner will be served from 6:00 - 6:45PM (no carry-outs).

The business meeting will begin at 7:00PM.

 

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Electric Rates

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  1. Electric Service
  2. Electric Rates

No matter what your service needs, we have a rate plan that's right for you. 

Click to read about our upcoming rate increase: Rate Increase Necessary After Seven Years

New Rates Effective May 1, 2025:

Residential Service - Effective May 1, 2025

Applicable to residential consumers for all uses in the home subject to established rules of the Cooperative.

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  

     Single-Phase - Regular   $ 30.00 per month

     Single-Phase - Prepay      $ 1.00 per day

Energy Charges:

    Summer (May - October)

         First 1,000 kWh/month                12.52¢/kWh

         All kWh over 1,000kWh/month    18.14¢/kWh

   Winter (November - April)

         First 1,000 kWh/month                12.52¢/kWh

         All kWh over 1,000kWh/month    11.63¢/kWh

 

The minimum monthly charge is the Basic Service Charge.

Residential Service with Electric Vehicle - Effective May 1, 2025

Applicable to residential consumers for all uses in the home subject to established rules of the Cooperative.

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  $30.00

Energy Charges:

    Daytime Period (5:00am to 10:00pm)

        Summer kWh                16.23¢/kWh

        Winter kWh                    13.50¢/kWh

    Discount Period (10:00pm to 5:00am)

        Summer kWh                 11.75¢/kWh

         Winter kWh                   9.02¢/kWh

The minimum monthly charge is the Basic Service Charge.

Residential Time-of-Use Service - Effective May 1, 2025

This rate is available on a voluntary basis to single-phase residential consumers who would otherwise be served under the Residential Service schedule. Service under this schedule is subject to the Cooperative's established rules and regulations.

Time-of-Use rates are intended to encourage conservation during peak times.  If a member opts to go on this rate and does not change their behavior, then the rates are designed so that they will likely pay the same amount as if they remained on the traditional rate.  However, if a member intentionally reduces their electric consumption during peak periods, they should save money on their electric bill.

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  $30.00

Energy Chargers:

    All Super Off-Peak Energy                   6.75¢/kWh

    All Off-Peak Energy - Winter               10.41¢/kWh

    All Off-Peak Energy - Summer            14.52¢/kWh

    All On-Peak Energy - Winter               34.98¢/kWh

    All On-Peak Energy - Summer            49.26¢/kWh

The minimum monthly charge is the Basic Service Charge.

Determination of On-Peak and Off-Peak Periods:

On-Peak, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak hours shall be defined as the following:

    A. For the period of May 1 through October 31, the On-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

    B. For the period of November 1 through April 30, the On-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 6:00am and 9:00am.

   C. The Super Off-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 10:00pm and 5:00am for all days of the week.

   D. The Off-Peak Hours shall be all other times.

Commercial Service - Effective May 1, 2025

Applicable to consumers for commercial, industrial and three-phase service for all users, including lighting, heating and power subject to the established rules of the Cooperative. 

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  $40.00

Demand Charges:

   First 15kW     $0.00/kW

   All kW over 15kW/month   $9.75/kW

Energy Charges:

    Summer (May - October)

         First 2,000 kWh/month                 15.58¢/kWh

         All kWh over 2,000kWh/month     10.12¢/kWh

   Winter (November - April)

         First 2,000 kWh/month                12.32¢/kWh

         All kWh over 2,000kWh/month      8.00¢/kWh

 

The minimum monthly charge is the Basic Service Charge.

Commercial Time-of-Use Service - Effective May 1, 2025

This rate is available to consumers for commercial, industrial and three-phase service for all users, including lighting, heating and power subject to the established rules of the seller. Service under this schedule is subject to the Cooperative's established rules and regulations.

Time-of-Use rates are intended to encourage conservation during peak times.  If a member opts to go on this rate and does not change their behavior, then the rates are designed so that they will likely pay the same amount as if they remained on the traditional rate.  However, if a member intentionally reduces their electric consumption during peak periods, they should save money on their electric bill.

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  $40.00

Demand Charges:    

    First 15 kW - Winter                            $0.00/kWh

    First 15 kW - Summer                         $0.00/kW

    All kW over 15 per month - Winter      $9.75/kW

    All kW over 15 per month - Summer   $9.75/kW

Energy Charges: 

    All Off-Peak Energy - Winter         7.98¢/kWh

    All Off-Peak Energy - Summer      8.80¢/kWh

    All On-Peak Energy - Winter         23.93¢/kWh

    All On-Peak Energy - Summer      29.91¢/kWh

The monthly minimum bill shall be the Basic Facilities Charge.

Determination of On-Peak and Off-Peak Periods:

On-Peak and Off-Peak hours shall be defined as the following:

    A. For the period of May 1 through October 31, the On-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

    B. For the period of November 1 through April 30, the On-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 6:00am and 9:00am.

    C. The Off-Peak Hours shall be all other times.

Commercial EV Charger Service - Effective January 1, 2025

Applicable to consumers for commercial, industrial and three-phase service for all users, including lighting, heating and power subject to the established rules of the Cooperative. 

Rate per Month:

Basic Service Charge:  $65.00

Demand Charges:

      All kW              $9.75/kW

Energy Charges:

       All Off-Peak Energy - Winter               9.57¢/kWh

       All Off-Peak Energy - Summer          14.91¢/kWh

       All On-Peak Energy  - Winter            28.70¢/kWh

       All On-Peak Energy - Summer          41.00¢/kWh

The minimum monthly charge is the Basic Service Charge.

On-Peak and Off-Peak Hours shall be defined as the following:

   A. For the period May 1 through October 31, the On-Peak hours shall be the hours between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

   B. For the period November 1 through April 30, the On-Peak Hours shall be the hours between 6:00am and 9:00am. 

   C. The Off-Peak Hours shall be all other times. 

 

 

Security Lighting Service - Effective May 1, 2025

This schedule is available to members of the Cooperative for outdoor lighting. This schedule is for automatically controlled outdoor lighting using high-pressure sodium vapor or LED lamps.

For new installations, CHEC is offers the 44 Watt LED Security Light and 40 Watt LED Flood lights. The 100-Watt and 250-Watt Flood Lights, 100 Watt Decorative Lights and LED Security Light (250 Watt equivalent) are closed to new installations.

Monthly Rates:

        40 Watt LED Flood                                $12.75 per month per light

        44 Watt LED Security Light                   $11.50 per month per light      

 

      100 Watt Decorative Light                       $37.90 per month per light

      100 Watt Flood Light                               $11.50 per month per light

      250 Watt Flood Light                               $20.25 per month per light

      LED Security Light (250W equivalent)    $20.25 per month per light

  

Conditions of Service

1. Security lights shall be furnished and installed by the Cooperative

2. The Cooperative shall maintain and repair security lights during normal working hours only.

3. If a pole is needed for a light, the member shall be required to pay an additional monthly charge of $2.25 a pole.

4. Any consumer requesting service under this rate schedule must agree to continue service for a minimum of twenty-four months. Termination of service prior to the twenty-four month limit will result in payment to the Cooperative for the remaining term up to the twenty-four month period.

5. CHEC offers the 44 Watt LED Security Light and 40 Watt LED Flood lights for new installations.

Security Light Agreement

Solar Facilities Charge - Effective May 1, 2025

Available in conjunction with any of the Cooperative's residential or commercial rate schedules, where renewable generation is connected on the customer side of the meter in parallel with the Cooperative's electric system and is designed to offset a portion or all of the consumer's electrical requirements normally supplied by the Cooperative.

  Solar Facility Charges:

            Residential

              Up to 10kW of Generation                          $28.00/month

              Over 10kW of Generation                           $34.00/month

 

            Commercial

              Up to 10 kW of Generation                         $40.00/month

              Over 10 kW of Generation                          $62.00/month

2025 Rate Increase Frequently Asked Questions:

How much is the rate increase?

Beginning May 1, 2025 CHEC will implement an average increase of 6.37%. The overall average rate increase is 9.79% however, by instituting a wholesale power cost adjustment (WPCA) credit in the amount of (.005)¢ per kWh, the effective change to member’s bills will be an average of 6.37%.

What is a 'WPCA'?

The wholesale power cost adjustment or WPCA, is a component of the retail rate that can be adjusted when needed to account for changes in purchased power costs. This WPCA credit of (.005)¢ per kWh will remain in place for 12 months and will be reevaluated prior to May 1, 2026. The WPCA credit will show as a separate line item on your bill.

How much will my bill increase?

The average rate increase beginning May 1, 2025 will be 6.37%. Individual adjustments will vary depending on the type of account and the individual usage. 

 

Based on average annual consumption, a residential member will see the following increases:

Summer kWhs

Current Rates

New Rates

Increased Dollar

1,000

$141.70

$150.20

$8.50

1,250

$184.00

$194.30

$10.30

2,000

$310.90

$326.60

$15.70

3,000

$480.10

$503.00

$22.90

4,000

$649.30

$679.40

$30.10

7,500

$1,241.50

$1,296.80

$55.30

 

What is the change to the Basic Facilities Charge?

The change in Basic Facilities Charges will increase as follows:

 

 

Current Rate

New Rate

Residential Service

$25.00

$30.00

Commercial Service

$30.00

$40.00

What does the Basic Facilities Charge represent?

The Basic Facilities Charge is a fixed component of your bill that covers some of the fixed costs of providing electricity, regardless of how much energy you use each month. These fixed costs include cooperative infrastructure necessary for power to reach homes and communities: poles, wires, substations, transformers – elements that every member utilizes and from which they benefit.

Who determines when a rate increase is necessary and by how much?

CHEC’s Board of Directors and management continuously monitor the financial stability of the cooperative to determine if or when a rate increase is necessary.  To establish the latest rate structure, an independent, experienced firm was hired to perform a cost of service study and recommend changes to our rates.

When was the last rate increase?

The last rate increase may in May 2018.

What is the effective date of the new rates and when will I see this reflected on my bill?

The new rates will go into effect May 1, 2025.  Any billing cycle after May 1 will reflect the new rates.

Will commercial rates increase or is this applicable only to residential rates?

The cost of service study offers a comprehensive review of all rates to ensure that each member, regardless of rate classification, pays his or her fair share.  Both commercial and residential accounts will have a rate increase.

Are there any rate options besides traditional residential and commercial rates?

Yes. CHEC also has voluntary rates for residential members who charge an electric vehicle at home or who are interested in a Time-of-Use rate. There is also a voluntary commercial Time-of-Use rate available. These rates are structured differently than the traditional rates and vary depending on what time of day electricity is used. The rates are higher during on-peak times and lower during off-peak times. 

Time-of-Use rates are intended to encourage conservation during peak times.  If a member intentionally reduces their electric consumption during peak periods, they should save money on their electric bill.

To view all rate schedules, visit chec.coop/rates.

Each year capital credits are returned to members; can CHEC keep those monies instead of increasing rates?

CHEC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative.  However, in order for the cooperative to comply with loan covenants established by our lenders, RUS & CFC, rates must generate sufficient margins (profits) to make both the principal and interest payments on our debt.  Our not-for-profit status mandates that any net margins made by the cooperative must be allocated to the membership in the form of capital credits.  A portion of these amounts are retired annually in the form of checks and or bill credits to our members.

I understand that CHEC has a program to help those in need in the community; are my rates being increased to support this program?

No.  Funding for the Cape Hatteras Electric Foundation comes from CHEC members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar.  The total contribution per member ranges between $0.12 and $11.88 annually.  That money is then transferred into the Operation Round-up Fund and distributed by the Foundation board to residents of Hatteras Island in financial crisis, or to local non-profit organizations.

What is CHEC doing to keep costs down?

CHEC strives to operate efficiently while adhering to our commitment of providing reliable and sustainable electric service to Hatteras Island at the lowest possible cost. We continuously evaluate our operations in an effort to keep your rates as low as possible by:

            Implementing beneficial technology, like the use of drones for efficient line inspections         

            Competitively bidding all contracts to ensure quality service at the best possible price

            Ongoing evaluation of our day-to-day operations for opportunities to improve and gain efficiencies

 

As always, CHEC management and staff will continue to work diligently to manage costs, to keep rates stable, for as long as possible. 

What can I do to reduce my electric costs and can CHEC provide any assistance in this area?

CHEC supports all energy solutions that are a fit for our members, uphold the safety and reliability of our grid and improve the diversity of our resources while also ensuring that costs are not shifted to members without access to the latest technologies. 

We offer several programs to help you manage your electric bills through energy efficiency programs and flexible payment options, such as Budget Billing and Prepaid Metering. We offer rebate programs including secondary refrigerator & freezer turn-in, home EV charger and Energy Star appliances rebates.  There are Energy Efficiency Loans available with low-interest financing up to $10,000 for commercial members, as well as $6,000 for residential members, for new high efficiency heat pumps and other energy efficiency improvements.

The Cooperative sells wi-fi enabled “smart” Ecobee thermostats for a fraction of the retail value in exchange for member’s participation in a load management program. When the thermostats are called on to reduce peak demand, the thermostats are adjusted either up or down by a few degrees.

We have Energy Solutions for members interested in residential solar and electric vehicle charging options. Our staff provides free home energy assessments to aid in making homes more efficient and helping you make the right energy choices for your needs.

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You inspire us to find solutions, so we can provide the energy and savings you need. Visit Touchstoneenergy.com to learn more.
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Contact Info

47109 Light Plant Rd

PO Box 9

Buxton, NC 27920

(252)995-5616

Outages: 866-511-9862

About Us

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Buxton, NC, serves over 7,900 homes and businesses with electricity on Hatteras Island.

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©2025 Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved..

  • Home
  • Member Center
    • My Account
    • Applications & Forms
    • Billing Options
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Coop Connections
    • Electel Credit Union
    • Member Handbook
  • Electric Service
    • Rates
    • Interconnection Agreements
    • Metering
    • Service Rules & Regulations
    • Schedule of Charges
  • Energy Solutions
    • Community Solar
    • Home Energy Assessment
    • Ecobee Thermostats
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Energy Efficiency Loans
    • Energy Star Rebates
    • Secondary Fridge/Freezer Turn-in
    • Solar
    • Surge Protection
    • Water Heaters
  • Community
    • Bright Ideas Education Grants
    • Cape Hatteras Electric Foundation
    • Carolina Country Magazine
    • Cooperative Leadership Camp
    • College Scholarships
    • Economic Development
    • Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships
    • Youth Tour to DC
  • About Us
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • By-Laws
    • Careers at CHEC
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Statement of Nondiscrimination
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Safety Quiz
    • Storm Center