Proposed New Rates for 2017

Posted Thursday, March 12, 2020

Water is essential to our daily lives, but few people stop to consider its value and importance, especially when compared to bottled water and other everyday products.

Skagit PUD’s water costs less than a penny per gallon—a true bargain considering the energy and expertise it takes to treat and deliver safe and reliable water to homes and businesses day in and day out.

In order to continue providing safe and reliable drinking water, while maintaining and replacing the PUD’s existing assets, a rate increase of 8.5 percent or approximately $3.59 per month for the typical residential customer has been proposed for 2017. The typical residential customer’s bimonthly bill is estimated to be $96 in 2017, based on consumption of 8,976 gallons.

Anticipated water revenues of $20.7 million for 2017 are based on a projected 8.5 percent rate increase.

A public hearing on the proposed 2017 budget was held on October 11.

The budget serves as a financial plan that guides and governs the spending commitments of the PUD. It is designed to balance resources and requirements for each fund. Resources consist of beginning fund balances plus projected revenues, while requirements consist of authorized expenditures plus planned reserve balances at the end of the year. By balancing resources against requirements, the budget is designed to ensure that there is enough cash in each fund to meet its financial commitments.

Any rate increase would be in effect for all bills generated January 1, 2017, and thereafter.