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1. Why does the City have to increase utility rates?

As do all utilities, Boulder City faces annual increases in our operating and maintenance cost. Most utility companies raise rates a few percent each year to account for these factors. However, the last time Boulder City raised rates was in 2009. In addition, in an effort to avoid increasing your utility rates during the economic downturn, the City postponed many Capital Projects. Postponing Capital Projects leads to failures and service outages and it is far more costly to conduct emergency repairs than planned replacements. Therefore, this rate increases is necessary to maintain the reliability of our community’s electrical, water, and sewer systems.

2. How do I reduce my utility bill?

Public Works offers a home energy audit that can help with identifying ways to reduce electric consumption in your home. The primary use of electricity in most households is for cooling purposes. The City offers a rebate program for updating to a more efficient air conditioning system. See all available City rebates at www.bcnv.org/284/Electric-Rebate-Program. You can also install a programmable thermostat to help reduce energy consumption when you are not home. In addition, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) offers a rebate program for the removal of turf. Visit their web page at https://www.snwa.com/rebates/wsl/index.html

3. I do not make much money. Is there any help for me?

Boulder City has one of the most generous energy assistance programs (35% discount) for low income individuals. To qualify, you must apply and be accepted to the State Energy Assistance Program. You can find application information for the State at https://bcnv.org/DocumentCenter/View/4157/Energy-Assistance---State-of-Nevada. Another way to reduce costs is to improve the energy efficiency of your home through Nevada’s Housing Division’s Weatherization Assistance Program. For eligibility information, visit housing.nv.gov/programs/Weatherization/.

4. Why doesn’t Boulder City get cheap power from all of the solar plants in the Eldorado Valley?

One of the reasons Boulder City has very low electric rates is the fact we get some inexpensive power from Hoover Dam. The power being generated in the Eldorado Valley is being sold to NV Energy and to power companies in California at much higher rates than what the City pays for our power. Thanks to the solar lease revenue, Boulder City is able to continue to offer high quality general fund items, such as Public Safety, Parks, and other services. If we traded power for lease revenue, general fund budgets would have to be severely cut. In addition, Boulder City is a very small electric utility, compared to NV Energy and those in California. Consequently, it is much harder for the City to manage a fluctuating power supply such as a large solar field.

5. What about the City land sales, will those help the Utility Fund?

Yes, as the land around the Boulder Creek Golf Course and Bristlecone Drive is sold, a portion of the funding will be deposited into the Utility Fund. This revenue will help fund the City’s 10-year Capital program.

6. I am a resident and business owner. How will the rate increase affect my monthly bill?

Unlike other utility companies, Boulder City utility bills reflect electric, water, sewer, and refuse disposal services. Based on the options provided from the rate study, a typical residential monthly power bill of $116 would go to $140, an increase of $24. A typical water bill of $49 would increase to $61, a change of $12, and the sewer bill would increase $2.50 per month.

Now looking at your business utility bill, a typical monthly power bill of $1,200 would go to $1,400, an increase of $200. A typical water bill of $61 would increase to $74, a change of $13, and the sewer bill would increase $5 per month.

7. When will this increase take effect?

At the May 24, 2016 City Council Meeting, Council approved Resolution No. 6489, 6490, and 6491 to increase the utility rates effective October 1, 2016.