2023 Utility Rate Review

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Consultation has concluded

UPDATE: Feedback is now closed. Results are provided in the Reports section and were presented to Council at the regular meeting of Oct. 3, 2023.


One of the City’s main responsibilities is ensuring that residents have dependable and sustainable utilities, including electrical, water, storm water and sanitary sewer. The Utility Rate Review has identified a path forward to ensure the sustainability in a measured way, with predictable increases for each rate over the next several years. Of particular note, the City of Penticton’s electrical rates have been reduced or held steady over the last few years, even as FortisBC has increased costs by close to 14% over the same time.

In order to get our electric and other utilities back on track, the City hired Intergroup to conduct a review and the results will be used to inform the rates over the next four years. Before the rates are set, Council wants to ensure you are aware of the findings of this work, what it means to you, and to hear your feedback.


How can I participate?

  • Review the materials
  • Watch the short video summary

  • Attend the Open House (RSVP required)
    Wednesday, Sept.6
    5 pm – 7 pm
    Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
    273 Power Street

    Opportunity to view displays, no formal presentations. Staff will be available to answer specific questions. Registration is required. Please RSVP to getconnected@penticton.ca or call 250-490-2445.

  • Attend the Online Information Session

    Monday, Sept. 11
    6 pm – 8 pm
    via Zoom
    Register for the meeting link

    Session includes a staff presentation followed by a Q&A session

  • Complete the feedback form by September 15, 2023.

UPDATE: Feedback is now closed. Results are provided in the Reports section and were presented to Council at the regular meeting of Oct. 3, 2023.


One of the City’s main responsibilities is ensuring that residents have dependable and sustainable utilities, including electrical, water, storm water and sanitary sewer. The Utility Rate Review has identified a path forward to ensure the sustainability in a measured way, with predictable increases for each rate over the next several years. Of particular note, the City of Penticton’s electrical rates have been reduced or held steady over the last few years, even as FortisBC has increased costs by close to 14% over the same time.

In order to get our electric and other utilities back on track, the City hired Intergroup to conduct a review and the results will be used to inform the rates over the next four years. Before the rates are set, Council wants to ensure you are aware of the findings of this work, what it means to you, and to hear your feedback.


How can I participate?

  • Review the materials
  • Watch the short video summary

  • Attend the Open House (RSVP required)
    Wednesday, Sept.6
    5 pm – 7 pm
    Penticton Trade & Convention Centre
    273 Power Street

    Opportunity to view displays, no formal presentations. Staff will be available to answer specific questions. Registration is required. Please RSVP to getconnected@penticton.ca or call 250-490-2445.

  • Attend the Online Information Session

    Monday, Sept. 11
    6 pm – 8 pm
    via Zoom
    Register for the meeting link

    Session includes a staff presentation followed by a Q&A session

  • Complete the feedback form by September 15, 2023.

Consultation has concluded

Ask your Utility Rate Review questions here.

  • Share Will the discount for bareland stratas still be applicable? As it stands now, our basic charge is $8.45. The jump to $31.95 represents a 378% increase. on Facebook Share Will the discount for bareland stratas still be applicable? As it stands now, our basic charge is $8.45. The jump to $31.95 represents a 378% increase. on Twitter Share Will the discount for bareland stratas still be applicable? As it stands now, our basic charge is $8.45. The jump to $31.95 represents a 378% increase. on Linkedin Email Will the discount for bareland stratas still be applicable? As it stands now, our basic charge is $8.45. The jump to $31.95 represents a 378% increase. link

    Will the discount for bareland stratas still be applicable? As it stands now, our basic charge is $8.45. The jump to $31.95 represents a 378% increase.

    KateA asked 8 months ago

    Hello, thanks for your question. We would continue to discount the basic charge for these stratas the same way we do now.  

  • Share Item 2 says, "Adopt inclining water rates for residential customers with a ¾ inch meter (where high users pay more).". What is the scale for the inclining rate or will this be variable? Is there any consideration for time of day usage? on Facebook Share Item 2 says, "Adopt inclining water rates for residential customers with a ¾ inch meter (where high users pay more).". What is the scale for the inclining rate or will this be variable? Is there any consideration for time of day usage? on Twitter Share Item 2 says, "Adopt inclining water rates for residential customers with a ¾ inch meter (where high users pay more).". What is the scale for the inclining rate or will this be variable? Is there any consideration for time of day usage? on Linkedin Email Item 2 says, "Adopt inclining water rates for residential customers with a ¾ inch meter (where high users pay more).". What is the scale for the inclining rate or will this be variable? Is there any consideration for time of day usage? link

    Item 2 says, "Adopt inclining water rates for residential customers with a ¾ inch meter (where high users pay more).". What is the scale for the inclining rate or will this be variable? Is there any consideration for time of day usage?

    KateA asked 8 months ago

    Hi, thanks for the question.

    The proposed rate structure for 2024 includes the following.  

    • Basic charge of $31.95
    • Variable charge of $2.35 for the first 600cf of water consumed
    • Variable charge of $2.93 for the next 600-1,600cf of water consumed
    • Variable charge of $3.52 for any water over 1,600 cf

     

    The water meters that are currently installed only report the total volume consumed at the time of reading.  To implement a “time of use” structure, a whole new metering system would be required.