ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Roseville Electric Utility is proposing an 8% energy surcharge in addition to an already-approved 3% increase starting in January.
The 8% charge would be in effect from Jan. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2024. If approved, customers would see an 11% increase in 2023.
"These are challenging times for the electric utility industry, especially here in California. Our state is grappling with unprecedented drought and a substantial reduction in hydroelectric resources in addition to skyrocketing fuel prices," Roseville Electric Utility wrote on its website.
What does this mean for my bill?
For a residential customer paying an average monthly bill of $116, the 3% increase starting in January would cost around $120. With the proposed 8% charge, the bill comes out to about $130.
For small commercial customers paying about $160, the 3% annual increase and 8% charge would come out to $178.
According to Roseville Electric Utility, there was no rate increase from 2015-2021, but starting in 2022 there was a 3% increase that will also happen in 2023.
"There was an approved rate increase for 2022 and 2023. That approved rate action varies depending on customer class. It is between 2-3% depending on the type of customer," according to the utility.
The utility said the 8% charge gives them time to understand the energy price spikes before proposing a permanent base electric rate increase.
"Our hope is that energy market prices will decrease, but that is not something we can predict at this time," Roseville Electric Utility wrote on its website.
The proposed energy surcharge is set to go before the Roseville Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 27 and then to the city council in October.
For more answers to FAQs, see Roseville Electric's surcharge fact sheet.
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