Delta-Montrose Electric Association is proposing its first rate hike in six years, the first since it switched to a new wholesale power provider in a cost-saving move.

The member-owned rural electric cooperative is blaming rising operation-related costs for the change, which is proposed to take effect Jan. 1.

If it goes forward, residential customers will face an increase in the standard fixed-price access charge of $7.50 a month, increasing that charge to $37 a month. Access charges cover the cost of maintaining the distribution grid.

DMEA isn’t proposing to change the energy rate charged to residential customers. That rate covers the cost to deliver the energy consumed, DMEA said in a news release.

Both access and energy charge increases are proposed for other rate classes, including

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