Water rates
For nearly a century, the Eugene Water & Electric Board has provided its customers with
high-quality water services at reasonable rates. As Oregon's largest citizen-owned municipal
utility, we strive to keep you informed about any changes in your water rates.
EWEB commissioners approved a 7.3 percent overall increase in water rates following two public hearings
in February and March.
The average residential water customer will see an increase of 5.2 percent, or about $1.10 per month.
The water rate increase will allow EWEB to continue its 10-year, $130 million capital upgrade of the
city's water system to ensure reliable service and the delivery of high quality water.
Commissioners also approved an overall 1.9 percent electric rate increase. For the average EWEB
residential customer, the 2.5 percent electric rate increase will amount to an additional $1.96 per month.
The electric rate increase will position EWEB to address financial issues such as completing capital projects
that include the new Roosevelt Operations Center in west Eugene and relicensing the Carmen-Smith
hydroelectric project, as well as acquiring new generating facilities and power contracts.
Slightly raising electric rates this spring could also prevent double-digit increases in 2012 and 2013.
The effect of the rate actions will raise the average residential customer's combined electric and
water bill by about $3 per month. The rate increases will go into effect on May 1, and will be
reflected on May billing statements.
Read water rate proposal including breakdown of rate percentage
increase, by customer class
Your monthly water bill is composed of three main parts: the Basic Charge, Consumption Charge and an
Elevation Charge, if applicable.
The monthly Basic Charge is based on meter size and covers the
cost of services that must be provided regardless of how much water you use per
month. This includes meter reading, billing and customer service.
The Consumption Charge applies to the amount of water you use per
month and is expressed in thousands of gallons, or "kgals."
The Elevation Charge, if applicable, recovers the cost of pumping
water to higher-elevation customers.
EWEB is appointed by the City Charter to collect and remit to the City of Eugene all charges for
wastewater and stormwater services. EWEB has no relationship with the City's wastewater and stormwater
system operation or rates and acts only as the City's billing agent. For more information about
these charges, call 541-682-4900 or visit the
City of Eugene's website.
The Eugene Water & Electric Board has a systems development charge (SDC) for all new or
expanded water connections.
For other water rates and charges, visit EWEB's Policies and Procedures Manual (Chapter
III). The manual is in PDF format and contains left-hand bookmarks and links in
the table of contents for easier navigation to the rate schedules.
Get answers to some of your frequently asked rate questions.