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Council approves utility rate changes for electricity, sewer and water; gas rates unchanged for 2026–2027
Summary
On final reading the council approved a 9.5% annual electric rate increase, an 8% annual sewer increase and a 6.5% annual water increase for 2026–27; the gas rate ordinance was presented with no increase. Council recorded unanimous votes on each item.
The Fremont City Council voted on a package of utility rate ordinances on July 28 after staff presented the underlying studies used to recommend changes.
Jeff Shanahan, utility general manager, presented the electric rate ordinance (Ordinance 57-43), describing a rate study that supported a 9.5% per‑year increase for 2026 and 2027. ‘‘This is the 3rd reading of the electric rate ordinance... this is a 9.5 percent per year rate increase that we’re requesting,’’ Shanahan told the council. Council approved the electric ordinance on final reading 8–0.
Staff also presented the sewer rate ordinance (Ordinance 57-45), based on a JK Energy study recommending an 8% per‑year increase to cover operations and maintenance; the council approved the ordinance 8–0. For water (Ordinance 57-46), JK Energy recommended a 6.5% annual increase for 2026–2027 and the council approved final reading 8–0. City staff said the gas rate study (Ordinance 57-44) recommended no increase for 2026–2027.
Council discussion cited the supporting studies and the need to fund operations and maintenance. Each ordinance passed on final reading with an 8–0 vote.
What this means: Residential and commercial utility customers should expect updated rate schedules consistent with the ordinances; staff said these changes are intended to fund ongoing operations, maintenance and system reliability work.
