FAQS

How much will residential bills increase?

The new rates will likely take effect in the first billing cycle of June 2022.

The bill for a Texas residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will increase approximately $8.31 per month, or 8.48%. This increase begins with bills issued March 1, 2022.

The total increase includes (1) new base rates; (2) a surcharge to recover retroactive amounts for the rate increase; and (3) cost recovery for the retirement of the Dolet Hills Power Plant.

• By Texas law, new rates are retroactive to March 18, 2021. The surcharge for the retroactive amounts will be in effect for an estimated six months.
• Cost recovery for the early retirement of the lignite-fueled Dolet Hills plant will be through a rate rider in effect through 2046, the previously PUCT-approved retirement date for the plant.

What are the average increases for major rate classes?

Major Rate Class Impact:

Average Customer Impact by Major Rate Class (Total Bill)
Residential	8.48%
Commercial	8.64%
Industrial	-1.66%
Municipal	-2.22%
Municipal Lighting	4.31%
Lighting	4.38%

New base rate impacts vary by rate class and usage characteristics.

What are base rates?

Base rates refer to the costs of building, maintaining and operating SWEPCO’s electric system, including power plants, transmission and distribution lines, and facilities to serve customers. Base rates do not include the fuel portion of the customer’s bill, which pays for fuel and purchased power and is passed through to customers with no profit to the company.

When did the regulatory review process take place?

SWEPCO filed its request at the Public Utility Commission of Texas on Oct. 13, 2020. On Nov. 18, 2021, the PUCT voted to grant SWEPCO an annual base rate increase of $41.6 million and cost recovery of the Dolet Hills Power Plant. On Jan. 14, 2022, the PUCT issued its final order in the case.

Want to reduce electricity usage?

Visit SWEPCO.com/Save to find no-cost and low-cost ways to save energy and money as well as energy efficiency programs.

Questions about a high bill?

If you have questions about your bill or want to check out bill payment options, visit SWEPCO.com/Pay or SWEPCO.com/Assist or call our Customer Solutions Center at 888.216.3523.