Rate Changes

At Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), we take pride in providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to the communities we serve. According to our ACSI survey, our members ranked reliability as their top priority, and we couldn’t agree more.

The reliability we enjoy today is the direct result of investments made in the past. Unfortunately, reliability comes at a higher cost.

Beginning January 2026, members will see an average rate increase of approximately 10%.

The Price Behind Your Power

Learn more about what affects the pricing of your power in the November issue of North Dakota Living.

November North Dakota Living

A-1 General Service

A-NT General Service NT

AC-EH Electric Heat/AC

C-1 Small Commercial

C-2 Large Commercial

C-2A Large Commercial

C-3 Large Commercial 5 MVA

C-4 Large Commercial 15 MVA

C-U Commercial Urban

C-GE Grain Elevator

C-AG Agriculture/Farm

Basin Electric is a generation and transmission cooperative that represents 139 members in 9 states, providing electricity for 3 million member-owners. MWEC is a member-owner of Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and we purchase 99% of our power from them.

On average, most rate classes will increase by approximately 10 percent in January 2026. However, in addition to rates, the following factors can also impact your electric bill:

How much power you use – Appliances that always run work harder when the weather turns cold. Even adding something new, like a hot tub, can make a difference in your monthly bill.

Weather – Extreme temperatures, especially in the winter and summer months, can lead to increased energy usage, resulting in a higher electric bill. If your bill is higher than expected, you can go to SmartHub to see a detailed history of your usage, or call 1.800.279.2667 and we can assist you.

For commercial services, your load factor can also impact your overall bill. For additional details on your rate, go to our Rates Page.

Yes. Energy efficiency and conservation can help you lower your usage, ultimately reducing your electric bill.

Sign up for SmartHub today to monitor your usage in real-time, set usage alerts, or compare your average usage – the power is in your hands!

To learn more about SmartHub, including how to register, visit our SmartHub Page.

WEB

Cost Pressures

We’ve been communicating about cost pressures throughout the year to help members understand what’s changing and why.
Read these stories from previous issues of the North Dakota Living magazine, to learn more about the challenges facing the electric industry.

Powered By Purpose Meeting the Moment: building Tomorrow, Leading Today Building Tomorrow, Leading Today Striking the Balance: Reliability and Affordability

Even with the 2026 rate adjustment, MWEC will continue to offer some of the lowest electric rates in the nation. Our goal is that electricity from MWEC will always remain good value.

Compare electric rates at
EIA SALES REVENUE PRICE

SOURCE: NRECA

Rate Calculator

Want to see how the upcoming rate change will affect your bill?
Input the kWh numbers from one of your previous bills to see.

*Total Charges are for kWh ONLY. Additional charges, including base charge, are not included.

Not sure where to find your Energy Usage (Energy kWh)?

See image for where to find your Energy Usage on your bill

*Yellow Highlight - Total General Service usage
*Gray Highlight - Total Electric Heat usage

A-1 GENERAL SERVICE CALCULATOR

ENERGY USAGE

Enter total Energy kWh under General Service

Do you have an electric heat meter?

Enter total Energy kWh under Electric Heat/AC

FUTURE BILL ESTIMATE

*This is an estimate ONLY. Capacity charges may apply.

Account Activity	kWh Entry	Amount
+ Base Charge:		$12.00
Up to 1200 kWh: $0.089/kWh	0.00	$0.00
After 1200 kWh: $0.081/kWh	0	$0.00
+ Heat Rate: $0.043/kWh		$0.00
Total Estimated kWh Charges:		$12.00

2026 Rate Change

Beginning January 2026, members will see an average rate increase of approximately 10%.

The Price Behind Your Power

Rates

Not sure which rate applies to you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost Pressures

Rate Calculator

Not sure where to find your Energy Usage (Energy kWh)?

*This is an estimate ONLY. Capacity charges may apply.

Beginning January 2026, members will see an average rate increase of approximately 10%.

When will the new rates go into effect?

What is the new residential rate (per kilowatt hour) going to be?

How much will my bill go up?

What is driving the rate increase?

What is wholesale power?

Who is Basin Electric?

Who determines when a rate increase is necessary?

When was the last wholesale power (Basin Electric) increase?

When was the last MWEC rate increase?

Is our rate increasing due to data centers?

How is inflation impacting the electric industry?

How are increased costs impacting Basin Electric's infrastructure growth?

Why did my bill increase by more than 10 percent?

Are future rate increases anticipated?

Are there member savings programs available?

Is there anything I can do to lower my electric bill?

Where do profits go?

Cost Pressures

Not sure where to find your Energy Usage (Energy kWh)?

*This is an estimate ONLY. Capacity charges may apply.