Last week the Ottawa City Commission approved a electric rate increase that had essentially been approved in December of 2023. It calls for a 6% increase each year over the next four years. Initially, the average increases were different for different types of customers. For example, a basic residential user, the increase was listed at $12. 20; however, it was later discovered that the presentation had included two years worth of increase. Average customers will only see an increase of $6.10. City Manager Brian Silcott told the commissioners this increase was a bare minimum:
In 2023, it was discovered that the city was paying out more to provide electricity then what was coming in and they were essentially operating at a loss. Reserve funding was needed to assure money was there for future projects and maintenance.
