Thankfully a lot of things that go up, do come back down, and successfully at that! Sadly, utility rate increases are NOT one of those things. And we really are at their mercy–I mean, ok, if a light doesn’t turn on in one room fine, but what if the fridge doesn’t get power?
One of the major factors in the rate increase to utilities in our area is because of BPA who is the primary provider of power to the utility companies in our region. Between 2009-2015 their rates had already increased 40%—that is not a typo, they have almost DOUBLED their rates in less than 7 years! And as adults, we all know that means someone has to pay for the increase…and normally it is us–the little guy who keeps getting squeezed.
Benton PUD Commission increased the average residential bill by approximately $5.50 a month effective September 1, 2016–a 4.9% increase. This was after Benton PUD customers had a 3.9% increase in 2015. Now Benton PUD is considering and all signs point to an approval of a 1.9% retail rate increase on October 1st, 2017. The PUD attributes this increase to the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA’s) 5.4% average increase that will take effect that same day.
The City of Richland’s Utility Advisory Committee’s staff will be recommending that City Council approve a 6.5% rate increase for all customer classes effective January 1, 2018. In 2012 Richland Energy Service customers had a 5% increase, and in 2015 the was hit with a 12% increase and told to expect a 9.5% increase this year as well as an expected 8.25% increase in 2019.
For our friends in Franklin County PUD service area, it was more difficult to uncover previous rate increases, but here is what we did find: in 2013 there was a 4.9% increase, and another 3% in 2014–after that we could locate nothing until currently, which includes a discussion for a 4% increase.
If you are ready to stop the roller coaster of utility rate increases, now is the time to seriously consider going solar. With the new solar incentives, there has never been a better time to make the switch, and with incredible financing options you can become energy independent without ANY cash out of pocket!
Contact us today to set up an appointment and we can show you how your home can work for you!
Hot Solar Solutions is a local company, with deep roots in the Tri-Cities area that is committed to helping our customers save money, be more self-sufficient, and make a positive impact in our community by reducing its carbon footprint, thereby improving things for future generations. We are honored to serve the residents of Eastern Washington. Hot Solar Solutions, LLC is an all-inclusive provider for commercial and residential solar electric, solar pool heating and solar hot water heating. Our professional team will assist you from start to finish; Planning, Finance, Design and Install—We do it all!
Estimates are always free anywhere in Eastern Washington, and typically include permitting, L&I, and of course installation—no hidden costs or last-minute surprises. We specifically focus on the areas of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Yakima, Spokane, Sunnyside, Prosser, and other areas throughout Washington. We also work within a 90-mile radius of Yakima.
