How Flathead Electric Coop compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Flathead Electric Coop, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USBIA-Mission Valley Power | 8.91 | 16,292 | -0.76 | -$82 |
| Flathead Electric Coop Inc (this page) | 9.67 | 63,317 | — | — |
| Missoula Electric Coop, Inc | 10.50 | 14,686 | +0.84 | +$90 |
| Yellowstone Valley Elec Co-op | 13.35 | 21,182 | +3.68 | +$398 |
| NorthWestern Energy LLC | 14.23 | 328,125 | +4.56 | +$493 |
4 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Flathead Electric Coop. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Flathead Electric Coop customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Flathead Electric Coop customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Flathead Electric Coop premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanders | Avista Corp | 8.50 | +$126 |
| Flathead | USBIA-Mission Valley Power | 8.91 | +$82 |
| Lake | USBIA-Mission Valley Power | 8.91 | +$82 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 9.50 | 9.67 | +1.7% |
| Residential customers | 61,882 | 63,317 | +2.3% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Statewide context: Montana electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Flathead Electric Coop bill
Montana is a regulated retail market — Flathead Electric Coop customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: psc.mt.gov.
Counties served (MT, EIA-861 2024)
Carbon · Flathead · Lake · Lincoln · Park · Sanders
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Flathead Electric Coop Inc more expensive than other Montana utilities?
- Flathead Electric Coop Inc customers paid an average 9.67 cents/kWh in 2024 — 24% below the Montana volume-weighted average of 12.75 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Flathead Electric Coop Inc?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Montana has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (psc.mt.gov).
- How many customers does Flathead Electric Coop Inc have?
- 63,317 residential customers in Montana in 2024 across 6 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.