For the first time in nearly five years, Rochelle Municipal Utilities will implement a minimal electric rate increase. The new rate goes into effect May 1st.
Each residential utility bill includes a customer charge of $9 per month. That charge covers the utility’s fixed costs such as staffing and infrastructure. Beginning May 1, 2023, the residential customer charge will increase by $1 to $10 per month. In 2024, the customer charge will be $11 per month and in 2025 $12 per month. The new rate structure equals approximately a 1.1% increase overall.
City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh remarked: “The City Council and Staff were very prudent in efforts to keep any rate increase to an absolute minimum. With the increase happening slowly over a three-year period, customers have time to plan accordingly.”
The rate recommendation comes after a nearly year-long process called a rate study. The study determines the exact cost of offering our services to customers to ensure that rates are appropriate.
“Our rates continue to be lower than area investor-owned utilities,” said RMU Electric Superintendent Blake Toliver. “The ability for our local crews to quickly respond to any type of service interruption is just an added benefit.”
For questions on your utility bill, please contact the RMU Customer Service office at 562-4155.
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