Beginning Oct. 1, the Tennessee Valley Authority will raise their rates for electricity. That increase is an increase of approximately 1.5 percent, or $2, to the average residential member of Middle Tennessee Electric.

In an effort to help keep rates affordable, MTEMC will pass this adjustment through beginning Oct. 1. The change in rates is not beyond what TVA is charging, but is designed to keep costs affordable for members. The adjustment will come in an increased customer charge, taking it from $13.75 to $15.75, while at the same time, MTEMC will lower the energy cost members are charged per kilowatt hour. The adjustment, for the average residential electricity consumer, will balance out in most cases.

"This change does not mean more money for MTEMC," said Chris Jones, President. "Our rates are still more than 20 percent lower than the national average, and this change will help keep it that way."

The change, as passed through by MTEMC, will help in the summer and winter months when consumption is higher and TVA's rates are slightly higher. The lower energy charge to members will keep bills affordable.

"Even though there is a rate change, electricity remains a great value," said Jones. MTEMC offers numerous services to assist members in energy efficiency and conservation efforts. As a not-for-profit utility our goal is to assist members in using electricity wisely, now more than ever, we're here to assist."

Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative providing electricity to more than 200,000 residential and business members in Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford and Cannon counties.

For more information, please contact MTEMC Communications Coordinator Josh Clendenen at 615-494-1071 or 615-516-5020.