This month's message from CEO/General Manager Michael Cremer in Your Co-op Connection in Rural Missouri. 

February 2026
There when you need it

       Electricity is something most of us take for granted. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. It’s there any time you need it. Behind that convenience is a complex system worth understanding.
     Your power begins with Associated Electric Cooperative, a Springfield-based power generation co-op. Associated supplies electricity to six regional transmission cooperatives. Ours is Sho-Me Power, which delivers power to Crawford Electric over high-voltage lines. From there, voltage is reduced and sent to your home.
     Associated operates two coal plants: Thomas Hill Energy Center near Moberly and New Madrid Power Plant in the Bootheel plus three combined-cycle natural gas plants in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. During high demand periods, natural gas peaking units in Essex, Holden, and Nodaway provide additional power. Two more are under construction in Oklahoma and Missouri to meet growing demand. Additional power also comes from federal hydroelectric dams across Missouri and wind farms in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
     Associated also has relationships with other utilities, selling excess power when available and buying when it’s cheaper than generating. These transactions help keep your rates low.
     Behind every light switch is a network of power plants, substations, transformers, and dedicated people who make sure you have reliable power. Demand continues to grow especially for peak periods. At the same time, we are experiencing rising costs for equipment, vehicles, and materials. Along with our partners, we work hard to control expenses through long-term contracts, preventative maintenance, and cost-saving measures like purchasing gently used vehicles when possible.
     Despite these efforts, our energy partners anticipate rate increases over the next few years as we all work to meet demand and ensure reliability. After careful review, our board approved a 6% rate increase, but we’ve delayed it until after the winter months. The increase will begin April 1, so it will be reflected in your May bill. Most residential members will see less than a $10 monthly increase. More information about the rate structure will be available in the next issue of Rural Missouri.
     Our goal remains the same: to provide you with reliable power at the lowest rates possible and to keep the lights on for everyone. This change helps ensure the power will be there when you need it.