The cooperative has not implemented a blanket rate adjustment since 2018. The most recent rate adjustment affected only commercial and large power members in 2025.

The cooperative absorbed rising costs for several years to limit the impact on members, particularly residential accounts. However, wholesale power costs continue to increase and now represent a significant share of total expenses. At the same time, the cost of equipment, materials and system investments has risen. Absorbing these costs is no longer sustainable without affecting reliability or long-term system needs.

No. As a member-owned, nonprofit cooperative, Itasca-Mantrap sets rates to cover only the cost of providing electric service, using revenues to operate, maintain and improve the system while investing in reliability, resilience and renewable energy requirements.

We operate under a three-tier cooperative model designed to serve members, not shareholders. Electricity is generated at the wholesale level, delivered through regional transmission systems and ultimately provided by your local distribution cooperative. At every level of this cooperative structure, decisions are made with reliability, affordability and the long-term interests of members as the priority.

Residential members can expect a 10.53% adjustment to their basic charge which changes from $38 to $42. A typical residential member using 900 kWh will see a $9 adjustment for energy usage and a $4 basic charge adjustment, totaling $13 per month. See the rate charts for all the rates that are affected.

The change will take effect April 1, 2026, and it will appear on the May billing cycle.
 

Yes, despite the adjustments, our wholesale power rates remain competitive compared to neighboring utilities and are still below the regional average.

Rate adjustments are based on careful analysis of costs and system needs. While the exact timing and number of future adjustments cannot be confirmed due to factors outside the cooperative’s control, we remain committed to keeping rates as stable as possible and communicating clearly with members.

The cooperative works to minimize the impact on members by making targeted, long-term investments that strengthen the grid’s resilience, reduce outages and avoid more costly emergency repairs. Planning ahead and investing strategically helps spread costs over time and prevents larger, less predictable rate adjustments in the future. These investments also support growing energy demand and meet state renewable energy transition requirements while maintaining reliable service.

We recognize that any rate adjustment can affect household budgets. Members have access to budget billing options, including levelized billing and flexible payment arrangements, to help manage monthly expenses. Members can also lower usage through load management programs and energy efficiency rebates. The cooperative partners with state and local agencies to connect qualifying households with energy assistance, weatherization programs and other community resources.

Yes. Itasca-Mantrap is financially healthy and maintains strong financial practices focused on long-term stability. The cooperative closely monitors expenses, reviews rates through regular cost of service studies and plans investments to support reliable service. Making adjustments when needed helps ensure the cooperative can continue operating responsibly while meeting future system and regulatory requirements. 

We will remain focused on making prudent investments to maintain a resilient and sustainable energy system. Our goal is to balance cost efficiency with reliable service, while supporting the transition to renewable energy sources and complying with state regulations.
 

By participating in energy efficiency rebates, load control programs and utilizing other conservation methods, members can reduce their electricity consumption. You can learn more by visiting our website or by calling us at 218-732-3377. Our team will be happy to assist you

Ways to Save

•    Participate in load management programs 
•    Rebates & tax incentives - https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits
•    Monitor usage with SmartHub 
•    Low cost-no cost ways to save 
    o    https://www.itasca-mantrap.com/sites/itasca/files/101ways_final.pdf
    o    https://www.touchstoneenergy.com/use-energy-wisely-energy-efficiency
    o    https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/home-energy-guide.pdf

If you have questions about your bill, you can contact our member services team at 218-732-3377 or email itasca@itasca-mantrap.com. Our staff will be happy to help explain your charges, payment options and available programs.