In September of 2011, the Board of Directors for South Feather Water and Power Agency proposed a change to the potable water volumetric rate. The rates at that time were $0.64 for the first 100 units and $0.25 after that. The goal was to eliminate the declining tier rate structure and settle at $0.35 per unit. Unfortunately, that goal was not met due to increased regulatory costs. Over the last several years as Dam Safety and Regulatory License Requirements have increased significantly and will continue to rise with the impending new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License reducing the ability to subsidized the cost of water service at the same rates customers have historically enjoyed. In addition, inflation has increased to double digits over recent years without any adjustment to the cost of service and financially can no longer be absorbed without an increase in rates.

In March of 2025, the Board of Directors once again voted for a change in service rates. This vote began the Proposition 218 process which gave each property owner the ability oppose this increase.

In an attempt to help customers forecast how their bill might change, the monthly service fee took the greatest increase. For 90% of our customers, this will be the only increase they will see in 2025 because they do not consistently use more than 10,000 cubic feet of water in any given month. The remaining 10% of our customers may see an increase due to removing the declining rate structure. As an example, if a customer uses 9,000 cubic feet (cf) of water they are charged $0.42 for each 100 cubic feet (or unit) for a total of $37.80. If a customer uses 18,000 cubic feet they are charged $42 for the first 10,000 cf plus $24.80 for the 8,000cf of water consumed over 10,000cf. This declining tier rate structure rewards high consumers of water and also interferes with South Feather’s ability to apply for certain grants.

At the June 26, 2025 Special Board Meeting the Board of Directors considered the 55 written protests which were received from customers. The Board also answered questions from the audience. At the conclusion of the meeting the Board of Directors voted to approve the rate increase plan shown below starting July 1, 2025.