Your Utilities. Your Voice.

Helping Guide Sacramento's Future —

Your Department of Utilities is planning for the future. They want to continue providing Sacramento with high-quality and cost-effective water, sewer, garbage and related services that are reliable and environmentally sensitive.

They face tough challenges. The sewer and water systems, water treatment plant and many water and sewer pipes in use today were built in the early 1900s. They are old and falling apart. And, the department faces rising costs for energy, chemicals, materials and government regulatory compliance.

Choices need to be made and Utilities needs your help moving forward. To start, the department asked for your input on its guiding principles that will serve as the foundation for rate analysis, planning and future services.

More than 1,100 members of the Sacramento community participated in either an online, paper or telephone survey. The findings of the survey have been analyzed and compiled into a report to be used in the rate adjustment process and in setting future policy. Overall, residential and business customers rated utility services relatively high.

As a result of updates from staff regarding each of the Utilities funds and following the recommendation of URAC, the City Council adopted the proposed 3-year rate increase at the March 27 meeting.

Proposition 218 Notification Document Available
Click here to view.

City Council Approves Utilities Rate Increase

The City Council met Tuesday, March 27 to discuss and take action on Utilities' proposed 3-year rate increase. The City Council adopted the Utilities Rate Advisory Commission's recommendations to adopt the proposed rate increase proposed by Utilities: 10% for water and for wastewater 16% (first year), 15% (second year) and 14% (third year). The Department of Utilities' proposed water and wastewater rate increases will increase the average single family customer's monthly bill for City utility services by $5.80 the first year, $6.35 the second year, and $6.91 the third year, which represents an increase in the total utility bill of approximately six percent each year, as shown on the following chart and will take effect July 1. Rate increases will assist in the financing of infrastructure improvements such as upgrades to the Sacramento Water Treatment Plant built in the 1920s, in addition to meeting mandated regulatory requirements such as completing water meter installations citywide by 2025.

As a part of their action, the Council also adopted URAC's recommendation, which would require Utilities report back on a semi-annual basis regarding its progress and to ensure that the rate increases are being used for capital replacements and improvements. The URAC also asked that new revenue generated from the rate increase by the Enterprise Fund Tax be used to set up a low-income assistance program. In June 1998, Sacramento voters approved Measure I, which imposed an 11% tax on the water, sewer, storm drainage and solid waste revenues. This tax revenue is paid to the City's General Fund. The Council will be discussing this program as a part of their planning for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year Budget.

Click to view the agenda or watch the presentation here.

To view the proposed rate schedule for water, click here.

To view the proposed rate schedule for wastewater, click here.

Learn About Utilities' Proposed Water and Wastewater Program. Watch the Video Below.

Current Status of Rate Analysis Process

Phase 3: Continued Communication Regarding Utilities Funds
Public Notice & Hearings:
Winter 2011/12 - Completed
City Council and URAC will hold public hearings regarding proposed rate adjustments. The URAC will make a recommendation to the City Council and the City Council will make the ultimate decision regarding adjustments.

To view past and future phases of the process click here.

Attend an Upcoming Meeting
Click here to view current URAC and City Council meeting dates. For past meetings, click here.

In the Press
Read the latest coverage of Utilities' process, proposed plan and need for infrastructure improvements. Click here.

Rate Projection Information
If you would like to receive a projection for your utility service account based on current usage and the proposed 3-year rate increases, please fill out the following form:
Commercial customers, click here.
Residential customers, click here.

Helping Guide Sacramento's Future —

Rate Analysis Process

Phase 1: Guiding Principles Development - Completed

Phase 2: Rate Development - Completed

Phase 3: Continued Communication Regarding Utilities Funds - Completed

City Council Approves Utilities Rate Increase

Learn About Utilities' Proposed Water and Wastewater Program. Watch the Video Below.

Current Status of Rate Analysis Process

Date

Meeting

Time

Location

Date

Meeting

Time

Location

Date

Meeting

Time

Location