For the first time in six years, Tacoma Power customers will see an increase in the amount they pay for their electric service. Starting April 11, customers’ bills will go up by about a $5 per month. Customers’ bills also will increase by about $5 per month on April 1, 2012.
Government requirements, low wholesale power prices and higher costs for purchased power from the Bonneville Power Administration led to the rate increase.
“We worked hard to reduce our operating costs to help minimize the rate increase,” said Tacoma Power Superintendent Ted Coates. “After cutting more than 50 positions, delaying non-essential capital projects and cutting back on things like replacing vehicles, we still had a gap to fill.”
Even with the rate increase, Tacoma Power still offers the lowest electric rates in the region.