BrightRidge adopts to increase electrical rates by 1.5%

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — BrightRidge has approved a 1.5% electric rate increase, the utility announced on Wednesday.

BrightRidge stated the increase, which comes after six years of high inflation without a raise in rates, will help it balance its 2025 fiscal year budget.

“Throughout the pandemic and recovery, BrightRidge held electric rates flat while providing $5.1 million in direct assistance to customers through pandemic relief credits,” BrightRidge CEO Jeff Dykes said in a news release. “While rising customer counts help, it is not enough to make up for material and service costs that also continue to rise.”

The rate increase for residential and small commercial customers will include a $2 per month increase in the base energy charge and a $.0002 per kWh increase, according to BrightRidge. The vast majority of the hike comes from the energy charge, which was $21.06 in June.

The 1.5% figure is based on an average customer usage, so customers who use less than the average will have a slightly higher percentage increase, while heavy residential users will have a lower one.

BrightRidge Broadband rates will stay the same due to strong customer growth in the fiscal year and expansion into areas, including Colonial Heights and rural areas in Washington County, the release said.

The increase for electric will start in October.

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