"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"
Online Edition
Friday, May 24th, 2013
Volume ∞ Issue ∞
- 11:44:26, May 21st 2013 - airmaxs52274 - Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your a ... [Read More]
- 5:56:33, May 18th 2013 - modgudur - I guess the child is anti-gun control since Obama went to all that trouble ... [Read More]
- 9:27:41, May 16th 2013 - caal girl - Nice outfit on you. I loved some of the dresses but am holding my breath ... [Read More]
- 2:03:34, May 14th 2013 - - Thanks for sharing the trip with us! ... [Read More]
- 4:12:01, May 9th 2013 - Amanda Ziebell - Wow! Thanks to the Fillmore County Journal for this kind story. For a ... [Read More]
- 11:47:30, May 7th 2013 - EW - ramble.....ramble.....ramble..... ... [Read More]
- 10:25:25, May 7th 2013 - Thunder6 - Great article! I love to see the Youth of Fillmore County receiveing acco ... [Read More]
- 6:52:10, May 6th 2013 - Jason Sethre, Publisher of Fillmore County Journal & Olmsted County Journal - Maryh, ... [Read More]
- 7:29:56, May 5th 2013 - maryh - Where are OCJ's available for pickup...other than at the new office? ... [Read More]
- 2:41:47, May 3rd 2013 - Remark1976 - Mrs. Buckbee, I just looked up Senate File 796 and in it there are said p ... [Read More]
Preston utility rates remain competitive despite increase
Fri, Dec 7th, 2012
Posted in Preston Government
Posted in Preston Government
Comments
Preston, Minn – The commission of the Preston Public Utilities (PPU) approved a five percent increase in electric, water and sewer charges for all residential, commercial and industrial customers. The increase will take effect January 1, 2013.
The average residential customer will see an increase in their utility bill of $4.20* per month. The last electric rate increase took place in January of 2009. The last water rate increase took place in January of 2012. The last sewer rate increase took place in January of 2005.
“Even after this increase, Preston’s utility rates will remain near the very bottom when compared with other municipal utilities,” said Joe Hoffman, PPU General Manager, citing a recent rate survey.
The primary reason for the rate increase is planned capital expenditures for upgrades to the electric, water and sewer infrastructures. The Preston City Council is considering a significant street improvement project in 2014 and the Utility will likely replace the underlying water and sewer lines as part of that project.
“Sound financial planning has allowed the Utility to use rate stabilization reserves to keep rate increases at a minimum over the last decade,” said Hoffman, “however, Preston, like many communities, is facing the need for significant investments in water and sewer infrastructures.”
*Average PPU residential customer use is billed for 619kw of electricity and 2,777 gallons of water/sewer usage per month based on billing statistics for the twelve months preceding October 31, 2012.
The average residential customer will see an increase in their utility bill of $4.20* per month. The last electric rate increase took place in January of 2009. The last water rate increase took place in January of 2012. The last sewer rate increase took place in January of 2005.
“Even after this increase, Preston’s utility rates will remain near the very bottom when compared with other municipal utilities,” said Joe Hoffman, PPU General Manager, citing a recent rate survey.
The primary reason for the rate increase is planned capital expenditures for upgrades to the electric, water and sewer infrastructures. The Preston City Council is considering a significant street improvement project in 2014 and the Utility will likely replace the underlying water and sewer lines as part of that project.
“Sound financial planning has allowed the Utility to use rate stabilization reserves to keep rate increases at a minimum over the last decade,” said Hoffman, “however, Preston, like many communities, is facing the need for significant investments in water and sewer infrastructures.”
*Average PPU residential customer use is billed for 619kw of electricity and 2,777 gallons of water/sewer usage per month based on billing statistics for the twelve months preceding October 31, 2012.