The City of Port Angeles is committed to providing affordable and high-quality utility services to our customers. To maintain these services, the City Council has approved utility rate adjustments that will take effect on the following dates:
- January 1, 2026 – Medic 1 and Solid Waste (Curbside) Collection Utilities
- February 1, 2026 – Regional and Blue Mountain Transfer Station Utility
- June 1, 2026 – Electric Utility
These adjustments are necessary to address rising costs driven by inflation; prepare for increased charges from the Bonneville Power Administration, the City’s wholesale electric power provider; and maintain the minimum staffing levels required to provide City services.
By state law, revenue from these utilities goes directly toward their ongoing operations, maintenance and repairs. These funds cannot be used for other general government purposes.
How This Affects Your Bill
We understand you may have questions, and we want to be transparent about what this means for you. Customers will see the new rates for Medic 1 and Solid Waste Collection utilities reflected in your January 2026 billing statement. Transfer station rates will increase on February 1. Finally, to ensure that rate changes do not impact customers all at once, the Electric utility rate will not take effect until June.
For the average residential customer, this change will result in a total monthly increase of $32.08. An example of those changes is as follows:
- Electric Base Rate: An increase from $34.41 to $41.97
- Electric Consumption: An increase from $0.0613 to $0.06695 per kwh
- Weekly Solid Waste Collection: An increase from $43.375 to $49.640
- Yard Waste: An increase from $10.165 to $18.085
- Medic 1: An increase from $12.371 to $14.657
More Information
The City of Port Angeles is committed to keeping our customers informed. Additional information about the rate adjustment, including FAQs and resources to help reduce energy use is available below. If you need help paying your bill, please contact our Customer Service Division at 360-417-0411 or utilities@cityofpa.us. To read more about payment options, please visit our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What has changed?
Costs to the City to provide utility services have increased. As a result, City Council passed a resolution on October 21, 2025, amending the Port Angeles Utility Rate Schedule. This includes rate adjustments for the following utilities: Electric, Medic 1, Solid Waste Collections and Transfer Station.
2. Why have these utility rates been increased?
Costs for materials and services are rising due to inflation. Additionally, the City is preparing for increased charges from Bonneville Power Administration, our wholesale power provider, in 2026. These rate adjustments are needed to operate and maintain existing services and infrastructure.
3. Who does this impact?
City of Port Angeles utility customers.
4. When should I expect to see changes in my bill?
| Utility | Rate effective date | When the change will be reflected in your utility bill |
|---|---|---|
| Medic 1 | January 1, 2026 | January 2026 billing statement |
| Solid Waste Collection | January 1, 2026 | January 2026 billing statement |
| Transfer Station | February 1, 2026 | Starting February 1 at the transfer stations |
| Electric | June 1, 2026 | June 2026 billing statement |
5. Does the City of Port Angeles profit from utility rate increases?
No. State law prohibits setting rates that result in a profit.
6. What do utility rates pay for?
Revenues collected for services are reinvested in the operations, maintenance, and repairs of each respective utility system.
- Electric Utility: The Electric Utility serves approximately 10,750 customers within the 13.5 square mile city limits of Port Angeles. The Public Works & Utilities Department operates and maintains an extensive electrical network comprised of 8.8 miles of 69kV sub-transmission, a 12.47kV distribution system with 127 miles of overhead and 42 miles of underground lines, as well as seven substations.
- Medic 1: The Fire Department operates three ambulances, which provide advanced life support to over 1,000 patients each year. All ambulance expenses for City residents are paid for in advance through the Medic 1 Utility and its related monthly fee, which is added to all residents’ utility statements. Non-residents using Medic I are charged for basic life support and advanced life support transports.
- Solid Waste Collections: The Solid Waste Division services 7,500 residential accounts and 850 commercial accounts. All refuse is placed in City-owned containers and collected on a weekly or biweekly basis. Residential recycling collection is offered to all single-family dwellings up to fourplexes at no additional charge. Commercial recycling is available for apartment buildings and businesses in the city for recycling of paper, plastic, aluminum, and tin. Yard waste collection is available to all city residents for an additional charge.
- Transfer Station: The City of Port Angeles operates both the Regional Transfer Station and Blue Mountain Transfer Station. All waste in Clallam County is compacted for shipment to Roosevelt Landfill in eastern Washington.
7. What steps are taken to minimize costs to customers?
The City conducts an in-depth review of the budget each year. As part of this process, Staff and Council thoroughly review expenses to ensure the City is operating in the most fiscally responsible manner. In addition, staff work throughout the year to review processes for efficiencies and cost savings.
8. I need help paying my utility bill.
The City of Port Angeles offers low-income discounts on utilities and arrearage payment plans. To learn more about these options and other local resources, please visit our website or contact the Customer Service Division at (360) 457-0411 or utilities@cityofpa.us. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9. What can I do to lower my electric bill?
Making a few small changes in the way you heat and use appliances at home can make a big difference in your monthly utility costs:
- Lower your thermostat at night and when you’re not home. For every degree you reduce your thermostat setting, you can reduce the heating portion of your electric usage by 2%.
- Switch to compact fluorescent or LED lamps. They use 60-75% less energy than regular bulbs.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows with weather-stripping.
- Set your water heater thermostat to 120°F, which is comfortable for most uses.
- Clean lint out of refrigerator and freezer coils at least once per year. Refrigerator compartments should be between 35-40°F, and freezer settings between 0-5°F.