No rate increase for LMRE members in 2025

Good news for LMRE members: there will be no rate increase or adjustment to the basic service charge in 2025.

This decision reflects LMRE’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity to all our members. By carefully managing resources and conducting an annual review of operating costs, the cooperative has ensured that members can continue to see stable electric rates despite rising costs across many industries this year.

Unlike investor-owned utilities (IOUs), which often prioritize profits, LMRE operates as a not-for-profit organization. This means the cooperative only raises rates when absolutely necessary to cover the costs of delivering electricity. For LMRE members, this translates to a fair and transparent system where the focus remains on service.

One factor that affects electric service costs is the number of customers per mile of power line. While IOUs serve an average of 35 customers per mile, cooperatives like LMRE average only seven. This lower customer density can make operations more expensive, but LMRE's average is slightly higher than the national co-op norm, which helps keep costs manageable.

Although inflation has impacted fixed costs—like maintaining LMRE’s 1,500 miles of electric lines—the cooperative has worked proactively to manage expenses and avoid passing on those costs to members. The basic service charge will continue to cover essential equipment, maintenance, upgrades, and construction projects across LMRE’s service area, but the amount members pay won’t change this year.

Applications for the 2025 co-op scholarships are still available!

Click here to apply for the 2025 scholarships

Supporting Black River Schools with new equipment

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative is proud to support local programs that strengthen our communities through partnerships that make a difference. With the help of a CoBank Sharing Success Grant, LMRE awarded $14,288.40 to the Black River MatBackers to replace much-needed equipment.

This grant funded the purchase of new wrestling mats, essential for both practice and competition. The existing mats, over 20 years old, have significant wear, tears, and sanitation concerns, posing risks to athlete safety. This investment ensures a safer and more effective training environment, enabling young wrestlers to focus on skill development and performance.

The CoBank Sharing Success Grant program showcases the power of partnerships in building stronger communities. Programs like this are made possible because of the support of members like you. Together, we’re investing in safer equipment that fosters growth and opportunity for all.

Apply now for the 2025 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.!

Calling all high school sophomores and juniors! Are you ready to take YOUR place in Washington D.C.? Youth Tour applications are OPEN, and we want you! Explore the sights, make lifelong friends, meet elected officials, and more!

Applications are due at the cooperative office by 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, so don’t wait!

Click here to apply for Youth Tour!

How proper insulation transforms your home and cuts costs

Ensuring your home is properly insulated can significantly improve energy efficiency and enhance overall comfort. Insulation acts like a warm blanket, reducing heat loss during winter and serving as a protective barrier against heat gain during summer.

Many older homes have less insulation than newer ones, but even modern homes can benefit from additional insulation. Adding insulation and air sealing your home can lead to substantial energy savings and increased comfort. The most common areas to insulate include:

Attics
Crawlspaces
Rim joists
Exterior walls

Air sealing is an important step in creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home. It involves identifying and sealing gaps, cracks, and openings where air can leak in or out, such as around windows, doors, and attic hatches. These leaks can cause significant energy loss, making your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Combining proper insulation with effective air sealing can prevent drafts and reduce energy waste. Together, these measures ensure your home stays warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and energy-efficient all year long. If you're unsure where to start, an energy advisor can help identify key problem areas and recommend the best air-sealing solutions for your home.

It's essential to understand how insulation effectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated by its R-value, which measures the material's resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. The R-value you'll need depends on the specific area of your home you plan to insulate. To learn more about the recommended home insulation R-values, visit www.bit.ly/energystar-R-value.

Insulation comes in a variety of materials, from fiberglass rolls to cellulose made from recycled paper products. If you're considering installing additional insulation, consult our energy advisors. They can provide expert guidance on selecting the right materials for your home.

Investing in proper insulation and air sealing not only enhances your home's comfort but also reduces energy consumption and lowers utility costs.

Click here for more information about our rebates

Welcome to the co-op!

Drew Ignaczak joined the cooperative on Dec. 9 as the new IT specialist. We're excited to have him join the LMRE team!

November outage report

LMRE experienced 32 outages in November, the majority caused by wildlife, including animals and birds.

When wildlife-related outages occur, crews safely and quickly replace damaged equipment and sometimes install preventive devices, such as animal guards, to maintain reliable service and reduce future interruptions. LMRE remains committed to ensuring efficient restoration and dependable electricity for members.

Click here to learn more about causes of outages

A look inside this month's Ohio Cooperative Living

The November issue of Ohio Cooperative Living is now available online! LMRE-specific information begins on page 17, and highlights include:

Key Co-op Topics with Ed: Balancing electricity supply and demand
Connecting with our members: The importance of LMRE's Member Advisory Committee
Heavy lifting - Is your furnace winter-ready?
November board meeting highlights

Find the digital here!

LMRE Homepage

Programs & Rebates

SmartHub

America's Electric Cooperatives PAC

Outage Information