GLE Board Approves Rate Changes
The ice storm that caused unprecedented damage to the northern portions of GLE’s service area earlier this year came with significant costs. To offset these storm-related costs—which total an estimated $155 million, along with rising energy supply, infrastructure investment, and operational costs—at an open member meeting on Sept. 17, the GLE Board of Directors approved rate changes that will result in a net increase across all rate classes.
Under the newly approved rates, the kilowatt-hour (kWh) energy use rate for residential and seasonal members will increase by $0.01040 per kWh, and the fixed monthly charge will increase by $6.88. The board also approved an increase of $0.00118 per kWh to the Energy Optimization surcharge, which will help GLE comply with new, more stringent state-mandated energy waste reduction requirements. These changes equate to a $17.18 monthly increase for the average residential member using 800 kWh per month.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative without investors, GLE must rely on the rates members pay to cover our costs, including storm costs, interest on emergency loans, and rising costs impacting other areas of the business. Despite a recent federal disaster declaration, there is still considerable uncertainty around what types of relief funding may be available and which specific expenses might qualify.
These rate changes are designed to fairly distribute the responsibility for covering costs among our membership while generating sufficient revenue to ensure the cooperative’s long-term financial stability and its ability to provide members with the service they need to power their homes and businesses.
Other rate and tariff changes were also approved, including changes to the construction policy and special fees. For more information, see the legal notice below or view the rate book online at gtlakes.com/account-information/.
Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Rate and Tariff Changes Effective on or After Nov. 1, 2025
The Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors adopted the following changes to the cooperative’s rates and tariffs at an open member meeting on Sept. 17, 2025, in accordance with Michigan Public Act 167 of 2008.
- An increase in the per-kWh and monthly charge for all rate classes. An increase to demand charges for applicable rate classes.
- An increase in the state-mandated Energy Optimization surcharge for all rate classes, effective with bills rendered on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
- Increases and additions to special charges.
- Changes to the construction tariff and related charges.
- Other changes to tariffs.
For specific details on any of Great Lakes Energy’s rates or tariffs, please call 888-485-2537 or visit gtlakes.com/account-information/.
Ouch! but you do a fantastic job keeping things operating. I really value your promise to get outages fixed within 3 hours if at all possible.