In response to many customer inquires regarding utility rate increases the City would like to clarify the changes that were approved on October 15th by the City Council that will take effect on January 1st, 2020. These rate changes differ from those of other utility companies that are not affiliated with City utilities.
City of Port Angeles rates for 2020 were adopted after a nine-month process with the Utility Advisory Committee and City Council to determine a cost of service methodology for implementing rates in 2020. The result of which shifted costs for variable and fixed calculations and created a rate structure where change is reflected in low, medium and high consumption customer categories.
Due to the changes in methodologies in all areas it is difficult to determine the impact to residents, as they vary by individual. At this time an average of low consumption users are expected to see a 6% decrease to their overall utility bill, averaged medium consumption users total utility bill will remain the same and high consumption users could see as much as a 20% increase. Please note these are averaged amounts and will vary by individual customer. Additionally, a 25% and 35% discount rate will be applied to all utilities, except Medic 1, for those who apply and qualify for the City’s discount program. As proposed, when compared to 15 similar cities in Washington, Port Angeles rates are the 4th lowest.
One-year rates were adopted for the Water and Wastewater utilities; two-year rates for Electric, Solid Waste Collections and Transfer Station, and Stormwater utilities; and three-year for the Medic 1 utility.
For more details, please review pages 31 - 97 in the October 15th City Council Meeting Agenda packet that outlines the changes in individual rates and provides an example bill calculation for low, medium and high consumption customers.