63°F
weather icon Clear

Utility rates increase July 1

Starting in two weeks, Boulder City residents will see a utility cost increase that is part of a series of increases approved by the city for the next few years.

The new rates go into effect July 1 and are the second of a four-year phased increase that began in October.

As an example, the city offered what the increase would mean for a family of two adults and a toddler on Fifth Street. The city estimates the total bill for all three utility services — water, sewer and electric — will increase almost $20, to $180.14 from $163.50.

Within that amount the electric rates will increase $0.0043 per kilowatt hour, which the city estimates will cost that same family approximately $4 more a month.

The cost of water will increase to 30 cents per 1,000 gallons, as well as include a $6.60 monthly service charge. In addition, the cost of sewer is increasing by nearly $3 per month.

“The residents will not see a decrease in services,” said Acting City Manager Scott Hansen. “In fact, in the years to come residents will notice improved reliability in the form of less outages and shorter outages. As the revenues increase, we will have the ability to replace aging transformers and other infrastructure before it fails, rather than a more reactive approach.”

The monthly bills will be adjusted to show which portion goes directly to the city and what goes to the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

“The higher tiers for electric and water are also increasing,” he said. “Naturally, larger users of the utilities will see larger increases.”

In terms of why the residents will have to pay more now, Hansen said inflation plays a role.

“As with private utility companies, the city experiences annual cost increases for wholesale power, capital projects to maintain the system, and annual operations,” he said. “Most utility companies raise rates a few percent each year to account for inflation. In the future, the city will follow this model by adjusting rates annually.”

The increase resulted from a rate study initiated by the city in 2015.

“The report from the consultant provided two options,” he said. “The first option was an immediate increase to get the rates to where they should be based on the city’s needs. The second option would phase the increase in over four years. City Council selected Option 2 … This phased in approach to rate increases provides time for customers to implement conservation measures such as replacing thermostats with programmable thermostats, replacing inefficient air conditioning units, sod removal, etc.”

Contact reporter Celia Shortt Goodyear at cgoodyear@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow her on Twitter @csgoodyear.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Kickin’ Off the Season in Style

Thousands came out Saturday for the 29th Wurst Festival, sponored by the Boulder City Sunrise Rotary club. Attendees enjoyed food, a car show, live music and a live auction. Money raised helps support scholarship programs as well as the annual Grad Night. The event helps kick off the busy fall season of events in Boulder City.

Mays doing double duty… again

Meet the new manager, same as the old manager.

Public invited to annual National Night Out Out

It’s that time of the year again when the public is encouraged to come out for an evening of fun while having the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide range of first responders.

Local Author Wins Award

Jean Kelly Widner, author of “The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption into Perspective” has been awarded the Literary Titan Book Award, a distinguished recognition honoring exceptional books. Widner’s book delves deeply into the complex and often contradictory realities of adoption — exploring stories from adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents while interweaving historical context and modern experiences. Through raw honesty and compassionate storytelling, “The Adoption Paradox” sheds light on the joys, grief, identity struggles, and resilience tied to the adoption experience. “This award affirms the importance of giving voice to the families and individuals impacted by adoption. The practice is always layered with love, loss, and paradox, and I’m honored that this work is resonating with readers and being recognized in this way,” said Widner. The Literary Titan Book Award celebrates authors who demonstrate extraordinary dedication and talent. The “Adoption Paradox” is available now through Amazon, Audible, and directly at www.adoptionparadox.com.

Mind the step

Recently, the Review received an email from a local resident who did not want to use his name but said he had 30 years of experience in construction.

King P.E. teacher wins state award

P.E. class has come a long way since the days of kickball and dodgeball.