For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

March 19, 2008

Commissioners approve electric, water rate changes

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners on Tuesday night (March 18) approved an electric rate decrease and a water rate decrease.

Commissioners unanimously approved a 1.8 percent overall electric rate decrease and a 17 percent water rate increase. The net effect of the two rate actions will increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by about $1.87, or around $22.50 a year. The rate changes are effective with customers’ May bills.

With the two rate actions, EWEB’s combined electric and water bill for the average residential customer remains the fourth lowest among 10 comparable Northwest cities.

This was the fourth time since 2005 that EWEB has lowered electric rates, by a total decrease of about 6 percent. Combined with one electric rate increase in 2006, electricity costs have been stable since 2004.

The electric rate decrease is due to a one-time payment to EWEB from the federal Bonneville Power Administration. The water rate increase would be used to upgrade and maintain the water treatment, storage and distribution system.