Duck River announces 2.5% residential rate increase

4:49 p.m. Sept. 15, 2025

Duck River Electric

Editor's Note: An earlier report used outdated information regarding the rate increase. DREMC brought this to our attention, and the original report has been removed. We appreciate DREMC's vigilance regarding information reported to its members.

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Starting Oct. 1, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) will adjust residential and nonresidential rates for only the third time since 2018. For the average household, the change amounts to about $4.17 more per month based on typical energy use.

While no one welcomes higher bills, DREMC leaders emphasize that the modest 2.5% increase is designed to directly benefit local members by strengthening the reliability and safety of the electric system.

“This decision to adjust rates was not made lightly,” DREMC President and CEO James Wright said. “Like many businesses and households, Duck River Electric is facing the realities of rising operating and maintenance costs. We know any increase affects families and businesses. That’s why we’re being transparent and doing everything we can to manage costs and provide value to our members.”

Supporting Community Growth

Over the past six years, DREMC has welcomed 10,000 new members and added 300 miles of power lines to its system. The cooperative is also investing in new substations and infrastructure to keep up with growth in Middle Tennessee communities.

Board Chairman Anthony Kimbrough said, “Rate adjustments are never welcome news, but we are dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to ensure the cooperative can continue to meet the growing demands of our members.”

Reinforcing Reliability

The increase will fund improvements that touch every member, including:

  • Replacing aging infrastructure to reduce outages.
  • Investing in faster storm response and recovery.
  • Modernizing the electric grid for better service.
  • Building new substations to serve expanding neighborhoods and businesses.

A Not-for-Profit Mission

Since its founding in 1936, DREMC has operated as a not-for-profit cooperative. That means any profits are reinvested into the system rather than distributed to investors. Members – families, neighbors, and local businesses – directly benefit.

“We are proud and excited to welcome this type of growth in the communities we serve,” Wright said. “DREMC must continue to address and plan ahead for this trend to stay on track for continued improvements and provide the level of service our members depend on and deserve.”

Help for Members

DREMC also offers programs to help manage costs, including:

  • Project HELP – Emergency bill-payment assistance.
  • Levelized Billing – Spread costs evenly to avoid seasonal spikes.
  • EnergyRight Programs – Rebates, financing, and tips for energy-saving home upgrades.

Members can visit EnergyRight.com for details on energy-saving resources.

Despite inflationary pressures and system growth, DREMC remains committed to keeping power safe, reliable, and affordable – today and for generations to come.