As a municipally owned utility, BPUB is committed to providing reliable services at fair, cost-based rates. Rate adjustments are sometimes necessary to maintain infrastructure, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. All rate changes follow a transparent public process with opportunities for customer input.
Why Rates Change
- System Upgrades — Modernizing aging water, wastewater, and electric infrastructure
- Capacity Expansion — Adding infrastructure to serve growing areas
- Regulatory Compliance — Meeting federal and state environmental and safety standards
- Technology Improvements — Implementing smart meters, automation, and efficiency upgrades
The Rate Adjustment Process
BPUB follows a structured, transparent process for all rate changes:
Cost of Service Study
Independent consultants analyze current and projected operating costs, infrastructure needs, revenue requirements, and rate structure alternatives.
Board Review
The BPUB Board reviews the cost study, weighing financial sustainability, customer affordability, system reliability, and alternative funding options.
Public Notice
Minimum 30 days advance notice via bill inserts, website updates, and media announcements before any public hearing.
Public Hearings
Customers attend public Board meetings to provide written or verbal comments, ask questions, and review supporting documentation.
Board Vote
The Board votes on rate changes in a public meeting. All meetings are open to the public, recorded, and documented in official minutes.
Implementation
Approved changes take effect 30-60 days after approval with additional customer notifications and updated rate schedules published online.
Types of Rate Adjustments
Base Rate Adjustments
Changes to the fundamental rate structure, including customer service charges, consumption tier rates, demand charges, and connection fees.
Frequency: Typically reviewed every 3-5 years.
Fuel & Purchased Energy Charge (F&PEC)
The F&PEC adjusts monthly based on wholesale power costs. This pass-through charge ensures BPUB can recover fluctuating fuel expenses without frequent base rate changes.
- View Current F&PEC Rates
- Updates posted monthly
- No Board approval required (established formula)
Emergency or Temporary Adjustments
In rare cases, temporary surcharges may be implemented for natural disaster recovery, regulatory compliance deadlines, or unexpected system failures.
Current Rates
For historical rate data and past adjustments, please contact customer service or review archived Board meeting minutes on the Meetings page.
Why BPUB Rates Are Different
Decisions made by locally elected Board members
Revenue funds improvements, not shareholder dividends
Funds stay in the community for infrastructure and services
Responsive to customer needs through public process
Get Involved
All rate adjustments are approved in public Board meetings. Stay informed and make your voice heard.