In response to public outcry, the Eugene Water and Electric Board has dropped a proposal to raise its flat rate for electricity by $10.
The proposal would have boosted EWEB's basic charge for electricity from $20 to $30 a month.
Harwood: "After hearing an uproar from the community, the Board of Commissioners took the $10 increase to the basic charge off the table."
EWEB Spokesman Joe Harwood says the utility is looking at how to cover fixed costs and deal with a 7 % boost in wholesale rates from the Bonneville Power Administration. EWEB Commissioners may decide to pass on that increase to customers, which would be a 2.5 %increase in electric rates.
Harwood: "The 2nd alternative that commissioners want to talk about is a more phased approach to rate reform that would include a $5 increase to the basic charge."
EWEB Commissioners meet again on December 1st. Harwood says the utility is also looking to expand its program offering assistance to low income customers with paying their power bills.
