Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc. > Account Services > Explanation of Bill Charges

Explanation of Bill Charges

SDCEA is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that is committed to providing reliable, quality service while keeping costs down.

As you look at your monthly bill, here is an explanation of charges you may see on that bill. If you have further questions, please contact our office, info@myelectric.coop or toll-free, (844) 395-2412.

Energy Rate per (kWh)

The total electricity you use each month, measured in kilowatt hours.

Peak Demand (kW)

This charge is based on each member’s highest one-hour energy need (kW) during peak hours – 5-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday within the monthly billing cycle. This charge begins July 1, 2026 (bill received in August). Please read here for more information on this change. Education Hub – Sangre de Cristo Electric Association, Inc.

Service Availability Charge

The Service Availability Charge increase varies by rate class. To view the applicable updated rates for all other rate classes, as well as projected Service Availability Charge rate increases through 2027 (subject to review each year), please visit the website by visiting the Bylaws Rates Policies.

The service availability charge includes expenses related to:

  • Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades
  • Operational costs including materials, taxes, and labor
  • Consumer services, including outage response and system software
  • Compliance with regulatory requirements

As your cooperative, we are committed to minimizing the impact of increasing power costs on your household. Contact us to learn how to save more energy throughout your home and to learn more about our energy efficiency rebates.

Wildfire Mitigation Rate Rider

The wildfire mitigation rate rider plays a vital role in supporting wildfire prevention and ensuring reliable electric service across our community. Here’s how it makes a difference:

  • Wildfire Prevention — By clearing overgrown vegetation, we reduce wildfire risks and help keep our neighborhoods safe.
  • Improved Service Reliability — Removing hazards means fewer disruptions. It also allows our crews easier access to make quick repairs, ensuring your electric service stays dependable.

Together, we’re taking proactive steps to protect our community and enhance the quality of your electric service.

Would you like to learn more about the rate rider? Visit the Vegetation Management page to access more details.

County or other taxes

A levy imposed by a county government on property or other taxable items to fund local services such as law enforcement, education, and infrastructure.

Power of Change

An optional round-up of your bill to the nearest dollar, the proceeds of which a pooled in our Power of Change program and go to charitable giving programs in our communities.

Town of Buena Vista Residents Only – Town of Buena Vista Franchise Agreement

Power delivered to residents of Buena Vista by SDCEA is provided under a contract — a 15-year franchise agreement (beginning in 2023) between SDCEA and the Town of Buena Vista government. This agreement grants SDCEA the ability to supply electricity to residents and businesses, ensuring reliable energy for the town. Scan the QR code to read the full Franchise Agreement.

Franchise Fee Collection

  • On behalf of the Town government, SDCEA collects a 2% fee from the total monthly bills of residents and local businesses located in the town of Buena Vista. This fee is based on a member’s kilowatt-hour sales, service availability charges, the wildfire mitigation rider, and other service charges if applicable. Starting this year, the fee will increase to 3%.
  • This fee is not revenue for SDCEA. Instead, it is remitted or passed on directly by SDCEA to the Town as a source of revenue for the Town.

Key Details of the Agreement

  • The franchise agreement is for 15 years and allows SDCEA to build, maintain, and make long-term investments in the facilities needed to deliver electricity throughout the Town. It also helps secure the multi-million-dollar debt incurred to finance this infrastructure.
  • SDCEA is also given the non-exclusive right to utilize public streets, rights-of-way, and easements within the Town’s limits to support electricity distribution.

By working together under this agreement, SDCEA and the Town aim to maintain dependable power services while supporting the growing needs of our community. If you have questions or would like further details, feel free to contact the Town of Buena Vista or SDCEA.