Helping You Save

Member Programs in Partnership with River Fund, Inc.

Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) facilitates funding for several programs administered by River Fund, Inc., a local nonprofit, social service agency.

MEC members give from their hearts by voluntarily donating $1 with their electric bill to help families in need with their electric payments. Members can also donate by rounding up their electric bill payment to the next whole dollar. Each year thousands are donated to the program.

MEC employees donate thousands each year, helping over 150 families.

Each year, on behalf of River Fund, MEC applies for $10,000 in matching funds donated by CoBank, one of MEC’s lenders.

MEC helped River Fund fulfill a longtime goal by offering low-cost office space in Bullhead City. This office makes it easier for members to talk with River Fund representatives without having to travel to Laughlin, Nevada.

The Many Ways Mohave Electric Helps Members

MEC’s tiered rates give members more control over their energy costs and reward members who use less electricity. Using energy wisely can lower monthly electric bills.

  • Tier 1: First 400 kilowatt hours — $.080249/kwh
  • Tier 2: Next 600 kilowatt hours — $.095249/kwh
  • Tier 3: Over 1,000 kilowatt hours — $.110249/kwh

MEC, along with Western Arizona Council of Governments and City of Bullhead City, offers a free home-repair program designed for qualifying low-income members. The weatherization program provides energy-efficiency improvements to reduce energy bills now and in the future.

Through the program, MEC, WACOG, and Bullhead City help approximately 15 families per year. WACOG also provides additional funding from federal and state programs.

MEC distributes thousands of free LED bulbs each year with each tree purchased through Operation Cool Shade, when new members sign up for electric service, and to members who attend MEC’s annual meeting. LED’s use only 9.5 watts compared to their 60-watt equivalent.

This demand-side management program encourages members to replace older heating and cooling systems with a more energy efficient heat pump, air conditioner, or mini split. The energy savings continue year after year and MEC offers an incentive of up to $2,000 for even more savings.

Over 100 members receive a rebate each year.

MEC’s shade tree program offers members the opportunity to purchase low-cost, desert-adapted trees to plant on the east, west, and south sides of their homes. By shading the sunny sides of a home, mature shade trees help reduce the need for air conditioning, which saves energy dollars.

The program funds a portion of the cost of the trees and volunteers from the city of Bullhead City, MEC employees, and community organizations help defray program costs for tree sales and delivery.

Our trained energy management specialist will perform a free energy review by phone or on site and offer suggestions for energy-saving measures. The basic energy review includes a survey of heating and cooling systems, ducts, lighting, windows, doors, window treatments, shading, thermostats, electric appliances, and living habits that may affect energy usage.

When the Northern Arizona Veterans Resource Center (NAVRC) needed more space for their office, MEC offered a new location at a reduced rate. The building is shared with River Fund and provides offices for NAVRC to perform their mission of helping homeless veterans, and veterans at risk of homelessness find stable and sustainable housing. The location also offers computer stations for job hunting.

Since the program launched in 2011, MEC members have saved millions on prescriptions. In addition, Co-op Connections offers discounts on everyday purchases, such as tires, air conditioning/heating, plumbing, pet care, and more.

Each year MEC’s board of directors recommends a contribution to help members who are facing a crisis through no fault of their own. Funding is provided through assigned capital credits as approved in the MEC bylaws. Each year, funds through this program help hundreds of family with their electric bills.

Note: The Operation Cool Shade, Home Weatherization, LED Bulb Giveaway, Heat Pump Rebates, and Residential Energy Review and Audit programs are approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and funded through a Demand Side Management surcharge on member bills as required by the ACC.