To understand the Monarch Utilities recent rate review, we want you to have all the related information in one place. This article will explain the rate review, what goes into setting rates, and the resources available to you. It is important to us that you have what you need to make informed decisions for your household. We want you Water Empowered!
Rate Review Explained
Why are you changing rates and why now?
In the last four years, Monarch Utilities has invested over $35.1 million on system upgrades across the state to ensure safe and clean drinking water as well as proper treatment and disposal of wastewater. Periodically, we must recoup these costs of capital improvements already made with the forthcoming rate adjustments.
Spending more money on running your household is never easy. As many of us are at home more amidst the pandemic, expenses such as utilities and groceries have increased. We all understand that clean, readily available water is a big part of staying healthy, and we want that to be as cost-efficient as possible. If this increase poses a hardship for you, there are assistance programs and resources available to you (at the bottom of this page).
What kind of rates are going into effect on Feb. 1 2021?
These new rates you will see on your bill are the proposed, interim rates. Interim (Proposed) rates means these are temporary rates approved by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to be charged until the PUC and the utility determine final rates.
The final rates will go into effect sometime in the summer (we will give you more info closer to the time). In addition to the final rates, because of the cost difference between interim rates and final rates there is usually an adjustment period.
An adjustment period happens because the PUC needs adequate time to review and determine the final rate. During the time period of when we start the interim rates up until the date we start the final rates, the utility either has more money to be collected or needs to give you back money to customers. Therefore, you will either see a bill credit with money back or a temporary, additional fee to equal out the money we need to collect.
When can I see the new rates in effect?
The new proposed rates will go into effect with your meter reading on or after February 1, 2021. You will see the new rates with the bill that includes your February usage. Keep in mind this bill’s usage also goes into your Winter Average calculation (the usage we charge for your wastewater the rest of the year).
How much will my rates change?
Customers will see their bills change by different percentages, and some changes will be phased in over a period of years. To see the rates and rate change comparisons for your service district, click here.
We know this is a lot to understand and we want to provide you with the facts so you may be well-informed about the bill you receive each month.
Other Costs Rates Go Toward
Your rates also go into many things that keep the water flowing. Watch this video to learn more.
Need Assistance?
We understand times our tough right now. Customer Care has resources available to aid in moments where you need to pay your bill later than usual or if you need a payment arrangement.
If you need assistance with making monthly payments, visit our Water Assist webpage and read through our payment assistance program to see if you qualify for monthly aid.
Other Resources
Here are some other articles you might find helpful.
