Manager’s Message – April 2025

Trees and Power Lines

Dear Members,

Spring has finally arrived. After the harsh winter, the sight of trees budding and
daffodils blooming is a welcome change. Although the temperatures are beginning to
increase as we head toward summer, we need to remember that vegetation growth will
also start to increase.
Tree related power outages are the single most frequent reason for interruptions
to service. Wind, snow and ice damage the trees causing branches and limbs—and
sometimes entire trees—to tear down energized lines and poles.
Ohop will continue to contract with Asplundh to trim and remove trees along the
Rights of Way to help reduce power outages. We appreciate all of their hard work. We
also want to thank all of those members who have taken the extra step to keep the right of way clear of trees or have allowed us to remove the existing trees. Even though tree removal is more expensive than trimming trees—not having to come back and trim
again every few years saves the Cooperative money.

Rate Increase Necessary
As some of you may recall, the only shadow over the otherwise very positive company
report at our annual meeting was that we had to talk about the upcoming rate increase.
The cost of electric power, as well as other forms of energy, has risen dramatically
during the past few years. Due to state and county mandates and restrictions, mostly
environmental in nature, our work has become more cumbersome and costly. Also,
many of our other costs—such as labor, materials, taxes, and fuel—have increased. In
addition, the Bonneville Power Administration is implementing a very large rate increase this year.
By implementing sound fiscal policies and maintaining strong financial management,
Ohop Mutual has not raised the kWh rates for more than 10 Years (since July 2014).
In keeping with our commitment to our members, your Co-op Board and employees
have worked hard to manage costs and continuously look for ways to operate the
Cooperative more efficiently, and, although I feel that there is never a “positive” way
to announce a rate increase, I am happy to say that the increases are minimal with
the Facilities Charge going up $4.00 and the kWh Rate going from 7.24 to 7.95. This
still keeps Ohop Mutual rates well below the State Average Rate of 11.83 cents and the
National Average Rate of 16.26 cents per kWh.

We appreciate your understanding and commitment to the cooperative way of
business.Thank you. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

Kenneth Klotz
General Manager