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

March 15, 2011

Commissioners to consider water rate increase

Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings on Tuesday, March 15, to gather public comments about a proposed water rate increase.

Tuesday’s board meeting will begin at 7:05 p.m. in the North Building at EWEB headquarters, 500 E. Fourth Ave. The rate hearing will start at approximately 8 p.m.

Commissioners will consider an overall average water rate increase of 7.1 percent, or about $1 per month for the average residential customer. For residential customers who do a moderate amount of outdoor watering during the summer months, the rate action will result in a monthly increase of about $3.30.

The water rate increase is driven primarily by the need to build cash reserves for future infrastructure upgrades and additions to the water system. The proposed increase will help EWEB make a series of capital improvements to the city’s water system to ensure reliable service and the delivery of high quality water.

If approved, the spring electric and water rate increases would become effective May 1, 2011.

A second public hearing on the water rate increase will be held on April 5.