Lansdale committees recommend 15% electric rate increase, to go to full council in two weeks

Lansdale Borough Council committees recommended a 15% increase in the borough’s electric rates to cover an estimated $2,000,000 rise in electricity costs and to restore the electric department’s fund balance.

Councilman Andrew Carroll, reporting on the Electric Committee, said the committee "decided tonight to... adjust it at a 15% rate increase effective January 1." He said the change is intended to cover increased capacity and electricity charges and to position the electric fund to operate sustainably while preserving expected annual transfers from the department.

Carroll described the increase as unavoidable in light of higher wholesale and capacity charges and noted that, in his view, anything substantially less than the recommended increase would be insufficient. He offered a rough consumer example: "Roughly, we're talking about a $28 increase in the monthly electric bill" based on 1,000 kWh usage.

Andy (Electric Department staff), who helped prepare the rate study, told council material for public messaging is "ready to go" once council decides on percentage and timing; the tariff change would be implemented by resolution rather than by amending the electric ordinance. Council members discussed timing, advertising and a coordinated public information campaign, including a planned social media effort and bill inserts.

Councilman Branch and others endorsed the committee’s recommendation, saying rate adjustments reflect rising costs for equipment and operations. Carroll said the measure will be placed on the full-council agenda in two weeks, with the committee proposing a Jan. 1 effective date if approved.

The work session discussion did not include a final vote; council members and staff said they would finalize the percentage, complete required public notices and brief residents in the weeks ahead.