Staff presented a new budget format and recommended roughly a 4% water-rate increase and a 5% sewer-rate increase; use of reserves would lower this year's levy increase but require higher increases later. Council set work sessions to refine rates before formal adoption.

The Wabasso council is scheduled to consider Resolution 10-2026, a staff request committing local financial obligations that accompany state and federal funding for a distribution improvement project and outlining proposed water fee increases in 2027–2030.

City CFO presented the city manager’s proposed 2027 budget, including a 3% COLA and proposed utility rate increases (water 15%, sewer 9%); council opened and closed the statutorily-required public hearing after limited public comment and some technical budget questions.

Multiple consumer advocates at the PSC hearing urged the commission to deny BGE’s request to raise its authorized return on equity — witnesses cited OPC’s 7.3% recommendation and said roughly 25–40% of the proposed increase would fund higher profits.

The company said the increase is primarily driven by a loss of revenue from industrial customers. Namely, idled taconite mines.

City staff and residents disputed the size and timing of tax and utility-rate changes tied to a possible annexation of Sienna MUD 3; staff presented MUD and city rate examples and residents said supporting models were not yet available.

The North Attleboro electric board voted to adopt a three-percent overall rate increase (scenario three: 3% in year one, then 2% and 2% conditional on review) following a cost-of-service study that showed undercollection of purchase power costs and a slight negative 2025 rate of return.

Dallas-based energy advisory firm 5 has finalized its acquisition of Legacy Energy, a Warrenton, Virginia-headquartered company specializing in energy management services. The move is intended to expand 5’s presence in the PJM and MISO energy markets and bolster its service offerings, including energy procurement, utility bill management, tariff rate analysis, and behind-the-meter solutions. Legacy Energy,

Trustees discussed a UEB recommendation to propose up to a 12% electric rate increase and a time‑of‑use plan intended to lower town peak costs. Staff linked the pressure to regional transmission charges and recommended public notice and a December schedule for the rate resolution.

Staff told council that water and sewer capacity charges (SDCs) would increase substantially to align with recent bonds and planned capital work: water SDCs from about $4,111 toward $10,638 and sewer SDCs from roughly $7,500 toward $12,058, reflecting debt and multiyear projects including wastewater plant upgrades.

Angela O'Brien of the Office of the Consumers' Counsel told Madison County residents Ohio Edison filed for a three-year distribution rate plan that OCC estimates would raise monthly distribution charges about $4.26 in 2027, $8.52 in 2028 and $12.78 in year three; OCC urged public participation in the PUCO review.

DME staff told council buying renewable energy credits (RECs) and new purchase power agreements will likely raise costs for ratepayers; staff estimated being 100% renewable adds about $14.7 million net annually (roughly $7 per average monthly residential bill) and proposed options including a 3% base‑rate increase, drawing down ECA reserves, or selling RECs.

Southwestern Electric Power Company customers in Texas could face an average 7.7% increase in monthly electric bills under a proposed settlement. The agreement permits the utility to retroactively charge the higher rate, dating back to March 2026. Concerns have been raised regarding the settlement’s lack of transparency, with critics referring to it as a “black

Consultants told Marysville council a 60% across‑the‑board water rate increase in 2027 (and 18.25% in 2028) would eliminate a projected 2026 $5.1 million cash‑flow deficit; wastewater and stormwater also face multi‑year increases in staff proposals to fund capital and meet reserve targets.

Staff told the council that Marysville must continue buying over half its water from Everett, which has raised rates nearly 50% since 2023, and that fuel and hauling costs are pushing solid-waste expenses up; a consultant's utility rate study will be presented next week.

Rising electricity bills are creating a challenge for efforts to modernize the Midwest’s electric grid, despite opportunities presented by increased demand from manufacturing and data centers. Charles Hua, executive director of PowerLines, a national energy consumer education nonprofit, emphasized the importance of grid strength for the modern economy. Midwestern states have historically benefited from lower

The Bruceville‑Eddy City Council approved ordinance O1023261 on Oct. 23 to reinstate the pre‑increase water rates effective immediately, voting 4–0 with one member absent. Council also pledged to solicit a utility rate consultant to recommend a longer‑term plan.

Virginia’s New Energy Plan Falls Short of Promises Virginia’s recently released 2026 Energy Plan pledges to safeguard family budgets, yet lacks a detailed breakdown of household energy bills. The plan’s modeling includes 10,000 MW of import capacity, a figure that contrasts with PJM’s listing of 5,992 MW. It also prices solar power 41% below Dominion

Rising Electricity Bills Misattributed, Data Suggests A narrative of “utility greed” driving up electricity bills lacks factual support, according to Guy Caruso, former administrator for the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Caruso’s commentary follows recent assertions suggesting utility companies are primarily responsible for increasing costs. Caruso, who previously served with the Center for Strategic and International

Water staff presented an asset‑management plan and rate study recommending phased increases to fund roughly $7.193M in five‑year projects; example impact: an average household (4,000 gallons/month) would see about a $7.84 monthly increase in 2027 under the plan.

The Maryland Office of People's Counsel urged the Public Service Commission to request additional appropriations for EUSP, criticized the regressive impact of ratepayer funding, and recommended expanded reporting and weatherization funding increases.

A staff report to the council recommended Resolution 2026-12 adopting a restructured 2027 Master Fee Schedule that includes an 8% water rate increase for 2027, replacement of variable deposits with fixed fees, higher inspection rates, and a new park impact-fee methodology producing a $670 single‑family fee.

Supervisors discussed Arizona Public Service potentially withdrawing service from parts of the county and the regulatory role of the Arizona Corporation Commission; they suggested preparing a board letter supporting protections against rate increases and scheduled a future work session on solar and large-load planning.

Rising Electric Rates Demand Immediate Action Average electric rates in the United States increased nearly 30% between 2020 and 2025, representing a 29% rise, according to Bryce Yonker, executive director of Grid Forward. Bryce Yonker is executive director of Grid Forward, an industry organization focused on advancing grid modernization. Grid modernization gatherings consistently highlight innovation