UtilitiesFriday, November 6
EWEB commissioners move a 2027 budget forward that would raise bills about 7%
The Daily Eugene team
If you pay an EWEB bill, the number to know is about 7%. Commissioners directed staff Tuesday to move forward with a $502 million budget for 2027 that funds early design and engineering for a second water source and treatment plant on the Willamette River. EWEB says Eugene relies on one source and one plant, so a wildfire, earthquake, severe storm or accident could mean an extended water outage.
Commissioner John Barofsky said raising rates is a hard pill to swallow, but that the second plant and other infrastructure are needed. EWEB also offers zero-interest loans and rebates for upgrades like insulation and water heaters. For income-qualified households, rebates can cover the full cost of some upgrades.
- Small home or apartment: about $9 more a month
- All-electric single-family home: about $18 more a month
- Final vote: Dec. 1, with another chance for public comment
- If approved: new prices start with bills issued on or after Feb. 1, 2027
Bills would rise about 7% while EWEB defers $100 million in projects
- 7%
- rise in the combined monthly bill, for both home types
- $100 million
- in large projects deferred over the next 10 years
- $2.2 million
- for customer bill assistance in 2027