Manager’s Message

As a consumer-owned electric utility, we take great pride in providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to the homes and businesses we serve. Every decision we make is focused on protecting the long-term strength of our system while keeping costs as low as possible.

In October 2025, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) implemented its new power contract. Under this new contract, Ohop Mutual not only received increases to our standard billing rates, but we are now also receiving Tier 2 charges, which alone have added an additional $68,000 to our monthly wholesale power bill. With a large service area and a limited number of meters, this increase has a significant impact on our operating budget.

After careful review and discussion, our Board of Directors voted to approve a necessary rate adjustment to ensure we can continue delivering the dependable service you count on. These changes will allow us to recover the increased cost of wholesale power and maintain the financial health of your member-owned utility.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the new Energy Rate will increase from $0.0795 to $0.0845 per kWh and the new Facility Charge will increase from $27.50 to $29.50 per month.

We understand that any rate change affects our members, and this decision was reached only after thorough analysis and thoughtful consideration. Please know that we remain committed to operating efficiently, advocating for our members, and maintaining some of the lowest power costs in the region.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of a utility that is truly powered by its community. If you should have any questions, we are always here to help.

Kenneth Klotz, General Manager

Tap Into Water Heating Savings

If your home is like most, you and your family use about 64 gallons of water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18% of your power bill.

That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. Why not use less electricity to heat it?

Today’s high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you don’t need to give up comfort for energy savings. That’s good news for your power bill.

There is a newer option to consider: an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat the water—like a refrigerator in reverse. Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more energy efficient than standard units.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $550 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $5,610 over the lifetime of the unit.

A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than other models. However, according to the DOE, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit’s lower operating costs and energy savings. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for a water heater.

Check with your utility to see if a rebate is available to help you make the switch.

Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. These smaller units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, but can use eight times more electricity than a standard water heater.

This high demand increases your utility’s cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters must upgrade their home’s wiring to support the greater demand for electricity.

Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater’s thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees, fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and using energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines.

Helping you save energy and money is another way Ohop Mutual is always here for you.

Beat the Peak

Demand for power is highest in the morning and evening—help the grid by shifting power use

When the temperature drops, electricity use goes up. It’s no surprise—heating systems run longer, lights turn on earlier and appliances work harder to keep us comfortable. Added to that, most of us use power at the same times—early mornings and evenings— and the electric grid feels the strain during winter.

At Ohop Mutual Light Co., we plan ahead with our generation partners to keep your power reliable. But remember, we’re part of a much bigger regional grid. When homes and businesses everywhere crank up the heat at once, massively increased demand can push the limits. Severe weather or equipment issues can make things even tougher. In rare cases, grid operators may call for short, controlled outages to protect the system. If that happens, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

The good news? You can help prevent those situations. Here are a few easy ways to make a big difference during peak times:

• Turn down the thermostat a few It really adds up. Also, this can lead to sizable savings on your electric bill.
• Wait to run big appliances like dishwashers and laundry until midday or late
• Set your water heater to 120 F and space out
• Unplug devices and turn off lights when you’re not using

These small steps save energy, lower your bill and help keep the grid strong for everyone. Together, we can make sure our homes stay warm and our lights stay on all winter long.

Fight the Winter Chill and Save Energy

We all have our favorite season. Some love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under

a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures of summer and the outdoor activities that go with it.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: High winter bills are never fun. Ohop Mutual Light Co. is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter:

1. Mind the This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees. There’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.
2. Button up your The U.S. Department of Energy estimates air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is a simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a closed window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.
3. Use window coverings Open blinds, drapes and other window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.
4. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or washing machine, only wash full Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.
5. Think outside the If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of ways to warm up beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home. If you have hard-surface flooring, consider buying an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor.

Winter months often bring some of the year’s highest energy bills. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase your comfort and reduce monthly bills.

Staying Safe Online – Internet Tips for a Smarter School Year

In September, students settle into new school routines, teachers dive into lessons and parents juggle packed schedules. Smart devices help everyone keep pace with the month’s steady momentum.

In today’s digital world, the internet is as essential as pencils, paper and books, but it comes with more responsibilities. Whether students are researching for a school project, joining virtual classes or chatting with friends online, it’s important they know how to stay safe.

At Ohop Mutual Light Co., we believe keeping families connected means keeping them protected. We’re here to help you build good habits and safe routines for using the internet this year.

Why Internet Safety Matters

The internet opens a world of opportunities, but also a door to risks like cyberbullying, scams and exposure to inappropriate content.

Students of all ages can benefit from guidance on how to navigate these digital spaces safely. With more schoolwork taking place online, internet safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Stay Smart Online

The following are a few tips to stay safe online:

• Protect personal information.

Be mindful of what is shared online.

• Never post sensitive information.  

This includes your full name, address, phone number or account details, especially on public platforms or unsecured websites. Even casual posts can unintentionally give away more than intended.

• Use strong, unique passwords.

Every email, banking, streaming or school account should have its own strong password composed of letters, numbers and other characters. Steer clear of obvious choices like pets’ names or birthdays. Use a password manager when possible to help safely store logins and passwords and keep them organized.

• Think before you click or share.

Always take a moment before clicking links or posting on social media. Scammers frequently use social media to gain knowledge and trick people into divulging information by using fake links, messages or websites.

• Keep devices and software updated.

Updating your phone, tablet or computer doesn’t just bring new features. It also helps protect against security threats. Set devices to update automatically, and regularly check for updates on apps, browsers and antivirus programs.

• Use parental controls and safe settings when needed.

For families with children, make use of built-in parental controls and filters on routers, streaming services and mobile devices. These tools help manage your child’s screen time, limit exposure to inappropriate content and encourage open conversations about healthy internet use.

Technology is an important tool for learning, connecting and growing. When we all use it safely, it becomes even more powerful.

Five Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risks

Wildfires have become common in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the United States.

This shift is driven by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns, which are creating conditions ripe for fires in regions that historically saw fewer of them. As a result, more communities are now facing growing threats from wildfires, prompting a need for broader awareness and preparedness nationwide.

Ohop Mutual Light Co. is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management, grid maintenance and hardening practices, we are proactively working to reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system.

As an Ohop member, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires and be prepared when conditions are ripe for them.

1. Properly extinguish campfire.  Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
2. Don’t burn on windy days. Avoid outdoor burning when weather is windy or dry, as embers can easily spread and ignite surrounding areas.
3. Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches and other flammable materials.
4. Use equipment safely. Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
5. Follow local fire regulations. Always check for burn bans or restriction in your area before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.

Tips to Safely Enjoy Fourth of July

July is a favorite month. It’s the middle of summer, the children are out of school and, of course, we celebrate Independence Day! Often, we enjoy grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade ice cream, other sweet treats and, finally, fireworks. It is a time for fellowship with family and friends.

Nothing says Fourth of July like a spectacular fireworks display, but the safest way to enjoy this is to head to a local show. If you want to do your own fireworks at home, please keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always follow the instructions on the packaging and never give fireworks to small children.

• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

• Wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

However you choose to celebrate, Ohop Mutual Light Company wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!