The first of a series of informational workshops about proposed utilities rate hikes took place in the lobby of City Hall Wednesday where attendees walked away with a personalized report on what the new rates will look like on their own utility bills. “It’s an opportunity for people to come in, ask all the questions they want and really become informed about the proposal,” Jessica Hess, communications specialist with the city Utilities Department, said Tuesday. The workshops are set up in an open house forum with information booths staffed by Utilities Department engineers, regulatory compliance specialists and field crews that respond to customers. The Utilities Department’s proposed t

The 30 percent increase in sewage rates that was approved last month will raise rents and make owning income properties more difficult, according to some in the industry. The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District approved the 30 percent increase over three years on June 23 in a 9-2 vote in response to a December decision by the state to set new guidelines for clean water in the Sacramento-San Juaquin Delta. The new guidelines require tightening controls on sewage discharge that will cause the local providers to overhaul their systems. To read more about the decision, click here. “It’s troubling in this very down economic climate to see any increases of that magnitude,” said Ji

City of Sacramento residents are invited to apply for a position on the Utilities Rate Advisory Commission. Established by the Sacramento City Council in 2008, this commission is a sounding board for proposed rate changes and serves as an expert advisory panel to the Mayor and City Council. Members also serve as a community liaison, providing information about utility service rates and collecting feedback. “We understand that customer input in the rate setting process is vital to balancing service levels set by the City Council with competitive rates,” said Department of Utilities Director Marty Hanneman. “The Rate Advisory Commission provides an avenue for residents to actively participa

The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities reminds its residential water customers that customers who have a water meter and who have received a comparative bill for at least one year will be converting to a metered rate in January 2010. Residents who have a meter, but who have not had a year of comparative billing will remain on a flat rate until they have received a year of comparative billing. Customers who do not currently have a water meter will receive a year of comparative billing once a water meter is installed before being switched to a metered rate. The City is installing water meters on more than 110,000 homes by 2025 and converting customers with a water meter to metered b

Panel Advises City Leadership on Proposed Rate Changes City of Sacramento residents are invited to apply for the Utilities Rate Advisory Commission (RAC). The RAC is a sounding board for proposed rate changes and expert advisory board to the Mayor and City Council. Members also serve as a community liaison, providing information about utility service rates and collecting feedback. “We understand that customer input in the rate setting process is vital to balancing service levels set by the City Council with competitive rates,” said Department of Utilities Director Marty Hanneman. “The Rate Advisory Commission provides an avenue for residents to actively participate in finding that balanc