For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 685-7471
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Aug. 28, 2009

Commissioners to consider electric rate increase Tuesday

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to gather comments on a proposed electric rate increase that would become effective with customers’ November bills.

The proposed overall 5 percent electric rate increase would recover additional charges resulting from wholesale energy cost increases by the Bonneville Power Administration. Bonneville, which supplies EWEB with about 70 percent of its electricity needs, is planning to increase wholesale rates this fall. EWEB commissioners have a general policy of passing on to customers any increase or decrease in Bonneville power costs.

The effect of the proposed rate action would result in an increase of $3.78 per month, or 4.5 percent, for the average residential customer.

If approved, the rise in electric rates would mark the first increase since 2006. EWEB commissioners have decreased rates four times since 2005, for a cumulative reduction of about 6 percent.

Tuesday’s public hearing, along with the second hearing on Oct. 6, will begin after the 7:30 p.m. start of the commissioners’ regular board meeting in the North Building at EWEB, 500 E. Fourth Ave.

Read more about the proposed rate action.