Pioneer and Buckeye Power: The Price is Right
In a deregulated market, consumers can choose a power supplier based on a variety of factors. But there's one factor that probably always takes priority: price.

As deregulation allows for competition, we believe price will be the most likely reason consumers would choose to switch to another electric power supplier.

Providing Power At Cost
Pioneer Electric Cooperative's electric production, or generation rates, are going to be difficult for investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and out-of-state marketers to compete with for many reasons.

First, as a not-for-profit entity, Pioneer is able to sell and deliver energy at cost. As such, it will be difficult for IOUs to save you as much money in the long run.

Secondly, we have a significant advantage owning our own cooperative power supply-Buckeye Power. As we have discussed, Buckeye Power gives us control over both power supply availability and cost.

Finally, we are constantly working with Buckeye Power on strategies to increase efficiency and keep costs down. And that means lower rates for you.

Keeping Rates Low
One of the major efforts toward keeping costs in line is the load management system first tested by Pioneer in 1970. Load management reduces peak demand loads and has saved Ohio cooperative members more than $60 million.

Another strategy for improved efficiency is increased consumer diversity. Commercial and industrial customers improve the "load profile," and that results in better rates for all parties.

Pioneer also has banked capacity arrangements with American Electric Power. These agreements contribute to cost containment by providing added power when needed, without building additional power plants.