FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Rates are being updated to better reflect the true cost of providing the quality energy our members expect. This change will better support the cost of wholesale power and maintain the infrastructure that safely and reliably delivers energy to members’ homes and businesses.
A detailed cost analysis was conducted to ensure our rates are fair. Rate adjustments are carefully made in partnership with our Board of Directors, who are also member-owners, just like you.
Hendricks Power works diligently every day to secure the most affordable and reliable electricity for our members. This is only the second residential rate update in ten years.
On average, residential members can expect an increase of approximately 4% beginning with their May statements, assuming energy use stays the same. Individual bills may vary depending on usage patterns.
There is an online calculator, above this section, where you can input your home’s specific usage (you can find this by referencing your previous statements) to see how much you can expect your bill to change if your usage patterns remain consistent.
We encourage members to register for SmartHub on their mobile device or desktop computer to monitor their usage, set usage alerts, and much more.
Download SmartHub for your phone:
Higher wholesale energy costs from our generation partner, increased pricing of necessary maintenance equipment like poles, lines, substations, etc., and investments in long-term system reliability, safety, and planning.
These system improvements increase reliability during storms, reduce long-term maintenance costs, support future growth, and are carefully balanced to include today’s affordability with tomorrow’s needs and reliability.
Instead of waiting for equipment to fail, we are replacing poles and equipment before issues arise and outages occur. It also includes vegetation management (tree trimming) to reduce outages, along with substation upgrades to increase reliability.
Hendricks Power does not generate profits for shareholders – all rate updates are approved by member-owners on our Board of Directors – people who pay the same rates you do for their electric service. Rates are set to cover the cost of service, and every dollar collected supports operations, maintenance, improving the system for our members, and strengthening our community.
The Board of Directors is made up of local member-owners, just like you, and is elected by other members during our annual meeting. These Board Members oversee financial planning and approve rate adjustments in the best interests of the membership, not outside investors.
The cooperative continuously looks for ways to reduce costs by negotiating contracts, using data-driven planning and forecasting, and treating members’ money like it's our own to ensure reliable and affordable power for today and the future.
Learn more about what variables and costs make up your statement balance here.
These are the three different rates HPC offers residential members to help offset the costs of wholesale power at different times. By offering different rates, members can adjust their usage and save on their bills.
On Peak (M-F, 5 - 8 pm): Energy costs more to supply during these periods, when electricity costs more to supply. This rate is only effective on non-holiday* weeknights.
Off Peak (5 am - 4:59 pm, 8:01 pm - 10:59 pm): Demand is lower during these times and energy is less expensive.
Super-Off Peak (11 pm - 4:59 am): Energy is in extremely low demand, making it the most affordable.
*On-Peak (M-F, 5 - 8pm) Excludes weekends/holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day. When excluded: Off-Peak rates apply.
We encourage members to take advantage of SmartHub on their desktop or mobile app. Members can monitor daily and hourly usage, enroll in budget billing, and receive personalized savings suggestions.
HPC offers free home energy audits to provide members with specific recommendations on rebates and other savings opportunities.
HPC also offers payment arrangements – learn more by calling us at (317) 745-5473.
Download SmartHub for your phone:
The rate times better reflects the price of purchased power. Purchasing power while it's in high demand, On Peak (from 5-8 pm on weeknights), is the most expensive, while Super Off Peak (11 pm - 4:59 am) is the least expensive. Hendricks Power wanted to pass these opportunities to save along to our members.
Super Off Peak is the least expensive time for Hendricks Power to purchase power, so we want to pass the opportunity to save to our members. Super Off Peak is every night from 11 pm - 4:59 am. We suggest members schedule as much of their usage as possible during this time, with rates being up to 75 percent less expensive than On Peak times (M-F, 5 - 8 pm).
Hendricks Power does everything it can to maintain reliable, affordable rates for our members, which have increased only twice in ten years. All rate changes are approved by our board of directors, which is made up of member-owners, just like you.
Prior to this rate update, we conducted an independent third-party rate study to help determine the most strategic change while keeping our members and affordability in mind.
Learn more about what variables and costs make up your statement balance here.
We encourage members to shift as much energy use to Off Peak (5 am – 4:59 pm, 8:01 pm – 10:59 pm) and Super Off Peak (11 pm – 4:59 am) to save money. For those who also want to reduce their overall energy use, Hendricks Power also offers free in-depth energy audits where our Energy Advisors will make customized suggestions for your home and family. Along with energy savings rebates and incentives.
Making little changes in your home's energy usage can make a big difference. Shifting your hot water and HVAC usage to Off Peak times (5 am – 4:59 pm, 8:01 pm – 10:59 pm) can save members up to 50 percent compared to On Peak times (5 – 8 pm). Shifting usage to Super Off Peak times (11 pm – 4:59 am) can save members up to 75 percent compared to On Peak times.
Scheduling energy usage to 11 pm - 5 am when possible and avoiding usage from 5-8 pm on weeknights offers members the most energy savings.
See the Tips below for other suggestions.
At this time we do not offer an alternative rate.
Demand is the highest amount of energy required at one time. For many homes, their Peak Demand falls between 5-8 pm on weeknights when families get home from work and school, and cook dinner, do laundry, etc. Despite homes using their Peak Demand from 5-8 pm, Hendricks Power's infrastructure needs to be able to provide that volume of energy at all times to our members. Learn more about Peak Purchasing and On Peak Demand here.
Hendricks Power purchases power from its wholesale provider, Wabash Valley Power Alliance. The cost of electricity is determined on many variables including fuel costs, power plant costs, weather conditions, regulations, time, and retail pricing. Click here to learn more.
TIME OF USE TIPS
Your HVAC system and water heater are your home's two largest individual users of energy. Making small adjustments to your home's water temperature is one of the quickest ways to shift or save energy. Not taking showers or baths, or running the dishwasher before 8 pm during the week can make a difference in your bill if done routinely.
Adjust your thermostat, especially during 5-8 pm on weeknights. Be sure your fans are spinning in the most efficient way for your season! Tip: Summer - counterclockwise, Winter - Clockwise. While you're thinking about it, is it time to change your HVAC filter?
Washing laundry uses hot water, and your dryer uses more energy than you'd think. Absolutely have to do laundry? Consider washing on cold water or handwashing.
Small appliances like slow cookers, air fryers, toaster ovens, microwaves, and even waffle irons use significantly less energy than heating your entire oven. Especially in the summer, using your oven makes your HVAC work harder to cool your home's air.
Take time during the weekend to prep larger-scale meals that can be reheated quickly and easily during the week instead of cooking every night. Don't forget, many meals can be frozen and reheated at your convenience.
Shutting down game consoles, computers, and TVs for just 30 minutes will make a difference if done every night. Saving money and spending quality time with your family? Win-win.
If you can, schedule your dishwasher to run after 11 pm. Scheduling after 11 pm will save you 75% on your energy costs!
Make plans with friends or family to go see a movie, go to the library, play at the park, etc. after work/school. Be sure to program your thermostat when you're away for the most savings.
Automate, program, and schedule as many things in your home as possible to use minimal energy from 5-8 pm. Your thermostat, water heater, dishwasher, and even washers/dryers can be programmed now.
When trying to save energy and cut costs, the last thing many of us want to do is invest in more tools. Luckily with technological progressions, there are quite a few affordable options that can help you save energy and will pay for themselves. Look into smart power strips, smart plugs, motion-activated lights, LED lightbulbs, and even something as simple as a clothes line can really help reduce usage and costs!
Download SmartHub on your computer or mobile device. SmartHub allows you to monitor your usage, hour-by-hour, so you can see just how much energy you're using (or saving)!
If you feel like your bill isn't manageable and you're looking for ways to save energy, we're here to help. We offer free Energy Audits, Smart Hub training, and flexible payment options. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hpc@hendrickspower.com or (317) 745-5473 to let us know how we can help. There are also local nonprofits that offer utility assistance.
Flexible Payment Options:
Budget Billing | Hendricks Power
Autopay | Hendricks Power
Prepaid Billing | Hendricks Power
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Videos
Understanding Electricity Supply & Demand
Conserve Energy During Rush Hour
Understanding Peak Pricing
Articles
Maintaining a Safe, Reliable Electric System
Understanding Peak Demand and Energy Purchasing
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