Public hearing set on increase in water rates.

Byline: The Register-Guard

The first of two public hearings on a proposed increase in Eugene Water & Electric Board water rates is planned Tuesday.

The utility wants to increase water rates by an average of 9.2 percent beginning in May - 8.6 percent for residential users.

The rate hike translates into a $1.31 monthly hike, to $16.54 from $15.23, for a typical customer who uses 9,000 gallons of water a month.

The increase follows a similar hike last April in which residential water rates climbed 7.7 percent. Unlike a year ago, EWEB is not proposing any increase in electric rates this spring.

The proposed new rate is still lower than what water customers at most comparable Oregon utilities pay, including $17.11 a month in Springfield, $20.09 in River Road-Santa Clara, $25.81 in Salem and $31.12 in Portland. Medford has the lowest rate among comparative utilities at $10.61.

The proposed rate increase for commercial customers is 12.3 percent inside the city and 10 percent outside the city.

EWEB says the increase is needed to cover a $1.5 million deficit that would otherwise occur at current rates. The increase anticipates the need for more capital funds to maintain EWEB's aging water infrastructure. About half the increase would go toward a reserve fund that is below target levels.

Ironically, EWEB's water rates have increased in part because conservation-oriented customers are using less water than what the utility has forecast.

Tuesday's hearing will be held after 7:30 p.m. in the EWEB commissioners' board room, 500 E. Fourth Ave.

The board is expected to vote on the proposed increase following a second public hearing March 20.

- Jeff Wright