No. This project is not driving this year’s rate adjustment. Current rate changes are primarily due to near-term cost pressures, including inflation, higher wholesale power prices, and continued investment in maintaining and improving Flathead Electric’s local system. This agreement is part of long-term power supply planning, not a short-term cost driver. The agreement structure protects members from paying upfront construction costs; the developer assumes that risk, and Flathead Electric Cooperative only pays for power once the plant is operating.
