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.

Operating and maintaining utility infrastructure
Ensuring service reliability
Upgrading technology to support long-term reliability
Protecting natural resources around facilities

Infrastructure Costs

Pole replacements
Electric system equipment (transformers)
Substation maintenance
Drinking water main and pipe replacements
Wastewater pipe replacements*
Preparing and maintaining for long-term reliability

*City of Tacoma only

Increasing Operational Costs

Competition for specialized labor
New technology
Climate change adaptation
Regulatory and legal compliance
Health care

Rebuild &maintain equipment instead of buying new
Prioritize projects for safety & reliability
Maintain current staff levels
Secure awards, grants, and other funding that doesn’t come from customers
Encourage recycling
Reduce operations and maintenance costs

Circle with a dollar sign in the middle and an arrow pointing down. 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.