Rate Information
Budget and Rates Process
As a public utility, we set rates to cover the costs of essential services. This includes the cost of providing safe, reliable services, maintaining our systems, protecting natural resources near our facilities, complying with regulations, supporting a specialized workforce, and investing in upgrades that improve your services.
We operate on a biennial budget cycle. This fall, our 2027-2028 budget will go to the Public Utility Board and Tacoma’s City Council for approval. Our proposal will include rate adjustments for water and power. Rate adjustments for Wastewater, Solid Waste, and Stormwater are prepared by Environmental Services.
Ways to manage your bills
We understand that our budget impacts customers, so we work hard to keep our costs down. We also offer payment assistance, payment management tools, and conservation programs to help lower your bill.
Budget Billing can help you manage your monthly budget.
Online payment resources provide several new options.
Power and water conservation can lower your costs and are good for the environment.
Payment assistance is available if you qualify.
Sewer conservation loans can help with private side sewer repair.
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As part of the budget process, TPU staff participate in public meetings to share information and hear from the public.
March 11: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Rate and Financial Policies and Reserves
April 22: Public Utility Board Study Session
- TPU Shared Services and Utility Assistance Programs update
May 13: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Operating Divisions – major proposed changes
May 27: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Tacoma Power – Military Protocol, Cost Recovery Revenues, System Average rates
June 10: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Gen Government Shared Services
July 8: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Draft budgets
July 22: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Draft rates
Aug 12: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Follow up topics
Sept 9: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Customer Services and Tacoma Rail Budget & Rate Recommendations
Sept 23: Public Utility Board Study Session
- Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water Budget & Rate Recommendations
Oct 14: CC/PUB Joint Study Session/Public Hearing/Public Utility Board Meeting
- Overview of the 2027-2028 Budget and Proposed Rates
Oct 28: Public Utility Board Meeting
- Preliminary Budget and Rates Approval – Board 2nd Reading
Nov 3: City Council Meeting
- TPU Budget and Rates Proposals – First reading
Nov 17: City Council Meeting
- TPU Budget and Rates Proposals – Second reading