For More Information Contact:
Joe Harwood, 541-685-7471
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Feb. 12, 2010

Commissioners to consider electric, water rate increases

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to gather comments about proposed increases in electric and water rates.

The hearings will allow EWEB customers to comment on a proposed overall 1.9 percent increase in electric rates, and a 7.3 percent overall increase in water rates. The rate changes will differ depending on customer class. The combined effect of the rate actions would increase the average residential customer’s combined electric and water bill by about $3 per month.

The first hearing will be held on Tuesday during the commissioners’ regular meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the North Building at EWEB, 500 E. Fourth Ave. The second hearing will be held at the same location at 5 p.m. on March 16.

The effect of the electric rate action would amount to 2.5 percent, or an additional $1.96 per month, for the average residential customer. The rate increase will position EWEB to address financial issues such as completing capital projects that include the new Roosevelt Operations Center in west Eugene and relicensing the Carmen-Smith hydroelectric project, as well as acquiring new generating facilities and power contracts. Slightly raising electric rates this spring could also prevent double-digit increases in 2012 and 2013.

The average residential water customer would see an increase of 5.2 percent, or $1.11 per month. The proposed water rate increase would allow EWEB to continue its 10-year, $130 million capital upgrade of the city’s water system to ensure reliable service and the delivery of high quality water.

If approved, the rates increases would take effect on May 1, 2010.