Your bill won’t be going up in 2021, Austin Utilities says

Utility bills for homes and businesses in Austin should remain relatively consistent in 2021, and are even forecast decrease slightly over the next year.

“Although there will be a 1.9% increase in the water utility, it will be offset by a 1.95% decrease in electric costs and should result in a net savings to customers,” the Utility said in a press release.

The slight net decrease will take effect with customers’ January bill.

Most of Austin Utilities’ customers are residential, who will save an average combined net of $0.47 per month. Small to mid-sized business customers should see an average combined net decrease of $33.10 on their monthly bill, although the range of savings could vary substantially depending on usage.

“This is third year in a row Austin Utilities has reported no increases in natural gas rates,” the release states. “Electric costs have decreased two of the last three years. A cost of service study performed in 2020 showed a need to implement a small increase in water rates. Updates to aging areas of our infrastructure continues to be a major driver in the need to increase water rates. The study also indicated a need to increase electric rates but a credit from our wholesale electric provider to be received in 2021 avoided the need for the increase.”

“Passing on good news to customers is always a pleasure. We are working hard to keep costs down during a time of hardship for many customers,” says Mark Nibaur, Austin Utilities General Manager. “Our customers rely on us to be there and keeping our infrastructure up to date is critical in allowing us to continue to provide the reliable service they depend on. At the same time, we work to keep our rates competitive and affordable for our community.”

You can contact Austin Utilities Energy Service Department at (507) 433-8886 for more information.