City of Torrington press release regarding electricity transmission costs

City of Torrington

Press Released dated September 30, 2026

 The recent drastic increase in transmission costs for our electricity has been a frustrating event for the City of Torrington and our electric customers.  This drastic increase occurred without warning for our community, and other communities in our area.  Unfortunately, the increase in transmission costs has yet to be fully explained.  The Mayor, City Council, and staff at the City of Torrington are dedicated to learning the cause of the increase from our provider, and address any options we have to mitigate the situation.  We are all acutely aware of the impact that events like this can have in our community, especially in our current circumstances with the pressures of drought, inflation, and record high increases in costs for diesel and gasoline.

On July 29, 2026, the City received a bill from our provider which included a sharp increase in the transmission costs for our electricity, which we pay through the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN).  Our first step was to begin working with MEAN to investigate the change in costs and learn more about the circumstances. 

After investigation and outreach, it became clear that the increase in costs was not a mistake or billing anomaly, and the City moved forward with notifying our customers on the situation we are all facing.  This included:

• The Public Work Session held in the Conestoga Room on September 10, 2026.
• The City’s initial press release dated September 16, 2026.
• The City’s FAQ press release dated September 17, 2026.
• The Torrington Telegram article published on September 23, 2026 with the headline “Torrington seeks answers after unexplained transmission cost spike.”

The City’s current efforts to obtain answers for the sharp increase in transmission costs and what can be done to address the issue are as follows:

• The City has preserved its rights by filing a formal dispute with MEAN regarding this sharp transmission cost increase.
• The City continues to work with MEAN to identify the specific cause or causes of this sharp transmission cost increase.
• The City, along with several other municipalities served by MEAN, and also affected by this sharp increase, will meet on October 8, 2026 for a broad discussion, an opportunity to share concerns, and ask questions of MEAN staff.
• Given the urgency of the situation, the City has filed an Application for Interim Cost Adjustment with the Wyoming Public Service Commission on September 30, 2026. If approved by City Council and the Wyoming Public Service Commission, this will increase the costs to our rate payers both inside and outside of the City.  The Application can be seen at psc.wyo.gov.  We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to review the interim application.
• At its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., the City Council will consider whether or not to approve the Application for Interim Power Cost Adjustment filed with the Wyoming Public Service Commission. If approved by City Council and the Wyoming Public Service Commission, this will increase electric rates effective November 1, 2026.  Please note that our summer rates (11 cents per kWh) ended October 1, 2026.  Our winter rates (9 cents per kWh) are in effect as of October 1, 2026.
• The public is invited to attend the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. The public will be heard.  We will appreciate your input.

The City of Torrington is committed to providing the lowest power costs possible to our customers, and we know how important reliable and affordable electricity is for the success of our community.  We are hopeful that our efforts with MEAN and the PSC will be fruitful in minimizing the impact of this increase to our community. 

The public is cordially invited to attend the regular City Council meeting on October 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. when these matters will be addressed by City Council.  Public input is welcomed and appreciated.