For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716 or 954-7509 (cell)
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners on March 16 will hold the second of two public hearings to gather comments about proposed rate increases for electric and water service.

The electric and water rate hearings will be conducted during the Board of Commissioners regular meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the EWEB North Building, 500 E. Fourth Ave. An initial public hearing was held Feb. 17.

EWEB staff is proposing a 4.6 percent overall increase in electric rates, effective with May bills. The residential rate increase would be 6.6 percent. Industrial, commercial and other customers would see rate increases above or below the average of 4.6 percent.

All of the revenues generated from the increase will be dedicated to capital needs associated with maintaining and upgrading EWEB's electric distribution, transmission and generation system. A residential customer using 1,250 kilowatt-hours a month would pay an additional $5.50 per month.

Commissioners also will consider a 5.6 percent overall increase in water rates to pay for general operating costs that have risen due to inflation over the past two years. Residential customers would see rates increase an average of 6.4 percent, or less than $1 a month for the average customer.

Commissioners are expected vote to accept or reject the rate increase proposals following the March 16 hearing. If approved, the changes would be reflected in customers' May bills.

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