University Place Rates
In November 2020, the University Place City Council imposed a utility tax on services to residents and businesses that goes into effect April 1, 2021. The University Place Ordinance will impose a tax of 3.0% on power and water service to all Tacoma Public Utilities’ customers located within the City of University Place. On April 1, 2022, the tax will increase to 6.0%. This tax increase will trigger an increase in other state and local utility taxes as well.
The new University Place tax is in addition to Tacoma Public Utilities’ annual rate adjustments.
Here is what University Place customers can expect when the rates are approved:
- Tacoma Power
-
Date in effect: April 1, 2021
- Percentage adjustment: 5%
- Residential increase per month: $4.64*
Date in effect: April 1, 2022
- Percentage adjustment: 5.7%
- Residential increase per month: $5.54*
Residents of University Place are subject to both the UP tax and the Tacoma Power rate adjustment. The amounts given above show the combined impact of both changes.
*The dollar values given above reflect the bill impact for residential customers who use the system-average amount of 928 kWh per month.
- Tacoma Water
-
Date in effect: January 1, 2021
- Percentage adjustment: 1.5%
- Residential increase per month: $0.69*
Date in effect: April 1, 2021
- Percentage adjustment: 3.6%
- Residential increase per month: $2.58*
Date in effect: January 1, 2022
- Percentage adjustment: 2%
- Residential increase per month: $1.69*
Date in effect: April 1, 2022
- Percentage adjustment: 3.7%
- Residential increase per month: $3.85*
Residents of University Place are subject to both the UP tax (April adjustments) and the Tacoma Water rate adjustment (January adjustments).
*The dollar values given above reflect the bill impact for residential customers who use an average of 6 CCF in winter months and 9 CCF in summer months.
February 23, 2021 presentation to Tacoma City Council
February 22, 2021 response to Government Performance & Finance Committee presentation
February 16, 2021 presentation to Government Performance & Finance Committee
January 27, 2021 Public Utility Board Presentation
If you have questions about this tax, please call the University Place City Hall at 253-566-5656.
For information about TPU’s payment assistance program, visit MyTPU.org/Assistance.
If you are interested in learning about how saving energy and water can lower your bill, visit MyTPU.org/Ways-to-Save.