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EWEB Passes 5% Rate Increase by Lauren Mickler KEZI, October 3, 2011

EUGENE, Ore. -- Eugene Water & Electric Board will charge its customers 5 percent more come November 1.

The EWEB Board of Commissioners voted to raise rates after the Bonneville Power Administration charged more for its services.

The commissioners voted to pass the first of two increases on Tuesday night.

However, the decision didn't come without resistance.

EWEB customers told commissioners Tuesday that the public perception of EWEB is negative and that they don't think the utility has taken as big of a hit as it's asking the public to take.

"From the public view, I think EWEB has a very poor reputation. It's one of spoiledness. EWEB is like a small child that just won't shut up. Every time they want money, they complain that the Bonneville Power Administration is cutting something or doing something, but they never even to look in-house," said EWEB customer Dan Patch.

"I believe that this rate increase is creating a budget for EWEB that is giving the rate-payer the best service that EWEB can give to them," EWEB Commissioner Joann Ernst.

Commissioners passed the increase five to one.

They said they realize a rate hike isn't easy for customers, especially at this time of year. They mentioned at the meeting that EWEB offers some financial assistance its low-income customers.