Rate Changes Coming for Jasper-Newton Electric Customers: What You Need to Know Before May 30

A recent letter from Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative, dated April 24, announced that a range of new electric rates and service fees will take effect starting May 30, 2025.

These adjustments will impact residential, commercial, and institutional customers across the region, including homeowners, churches, and small businesses. The updated rates apply to all JNEC members and service areas, including Jasper, Kirbyville, Newton, Buna, Evadale, and surrounding rural communities served by the cooperative.

The update includes increases to both monthly base charges and energy usage rates, as well as adjustments to disconnect, reconnect, and service fees. For many families preparing for summer electric bills, these adjustments may come as a surprise.

Key Changes Taking Effect:

• Monthly Customer Charge (Residential):

  • From $18.50 to $25.00

• Energy Rate per kWh:

  • From $0.0725 to $0.0825

    
    

• Disconnect for Non-Payment Fee:

  • From $134.97 to $400.00

    
    

• Returned Check Fee:

  • From $35.00 to $45.00

  
  

• Outdoor Lighting Fees:

  • Increased by $2.00 per light for most standard units

  
  

• Other fees for service requests, meter testing, and new connections are also increasing, in some cases by $100 or more.

  
  

Jasper-Newton noted that most of these rates have remained unchanged since 2017 and stated that the increases are necessary due to rising operational costs. The co-op emphasized it has worked “diligently over the years to keep its costs and, therefore, your costs, to a minimum.”

Public Meeting Scheduled

The cooperative will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 812 S. Margaret Avenue, Kirbyville. All customers are welcome to attend, ask questions, and learn more about how the rate changes may affect their billing.

Tips to Prepare for the Rate Increase

With the new rates taking effect soon, here are a few steps customers can take to better manage their electric bills:

• Enroll in budget or levelized billing: Jasper-Newton may offer monthly billing plans that average your annual usage to prevent seasonal spikes.

  
  

• Track your usage: Small adjustments—like unplugging unused electronics, using LED bulbs, and raising your thermostat just 2–3 degrees—can lead to noticeable savings.

  
  

• Check for assistance programs: Households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or other public assistance may qualify for energy aid. Call Jasper-Newton at 409-423-2241 to ask about eligibility.

  
  

• Avoid late payments when possible: With the reconnection fee now set at $400, keeping your account current is more important than ever.

  
  

• Attend the public meeting on May 13 to learn more and have your questions answered directly by co-op leadership.

Customers with questions about the new rates or services can also reach Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative at 1-800-231-9340.