08/03/2026
We recently received a good question from a member about the two proposed bylaw changes on this year’s ballot. Here is what they mean in plain English:
PROPOSED CHANGE #1 — LARGE ELECTRIC LOADS
This change would give DCEC clearer authority to establish appropriate connection fees, rates, and service terms for unusually large commercial or industrial electric loads.
Very large new or expanded loads may require significant investments in substations, lines, and other equipment. DCEC also receives a limited allocation of lower-cost hydropower that helps keep rates affordable for our membership. Serving a very large load may require DCEC to purchase additional power at a higher cost.
The proposed change would give DCEC greater flexibility to develop rates, connection fees, and service terms appropriate for these projects while protecting existing members from the additional costs of serving them. It would also help DCEC support future economic-development opportunities responsibly.
PROPOSED CHANGE #2 — CAPITAL CREDITS
This change would give the Board greater flexibility in how capital credits are allocated and retired among different types of members and electric service.
Not every type of service contributes equally to the Cooperative’s margins. The proposed change would allow DCEC to account for those differences and manage capital-credit retirements—including general retirements, small balances, and early retirements—in a fair and financially responsible manner.
These proposed changes do not establish a particular new rate, fee, or capital-credit retirement. They give the Board the authority and flexibility to address those matters appropriately as circumstances change.
The DCEC Board recommends voting YES on both proposed changes.
Members can review the complete proposed language and find additional Annual Meeting information at https://dce.coop/2026-annual-meeting.
Voting is now open. Members with an email address on file should have received an email this morning containing a direct link to vote. Members may also vote through the SmartHub app or by logging into SmartHub online. Members with questions or who need assistance may contact the DCEC office at (607) 746-2341.
