Power, irrigation charges increase

RITZVILLE — Ratepayers power bills are going to get a little more expensive this year.

Big Bend Electric Cooperative announced last week that its customers are going to see a rate increase effective April 1.

The average 5% increase will be applied to all classes of customers, including residential and commercial power customers.

While every customer will see an increase, 5% is the average, officials said, noting some customers will see a higher increase and others a lower increase.

Irrigation customers will see a horsepower charge rate increase beginning Feb. 1.

Cooperative officials said the...