Waverly Utilities is doing everything it can to keep electric rates down | Waverly Newspapers

In the past ten years, Waverly Utilities’ rates have been driven up because our wholesale contract prices have risen. No one has liked those rate increases. However, that same contract now provides some stability while the market is skyrocketing. If coal prices drop back down from their current highs over the next year, then Waverly Utilities’ wholesale rates should stay fairly consistent with overall inflation. There is a risk of longer-term high commodity prices however, that will have an impact throughout our economy.

The remaining 20% of your bill is spent here in Waverly making sure that electricity flows to your house reliably. Twenty years ago, this local portion was 60% of your bill. Waverly Utilities staff has reduced this part of your bill to keep your rates as low as possible. Without those efforts, your electric rates would be almost 20% higher.

In my four years on the Waverly Utilities Board of Trustees, I have learned Waverly is very fortunate to have a local electric utility. Waverly Utilities contributes both financially and with volunteer hours to our local community. Waverly Utilities has consistently won awards for electric reliability ranking in the top 25% nationwide. Without Waverly Utilities we would not have a state-of-the-art fiber optic network providing high-speed internet. We are currently working on ways to increase our use of sustainably sourced electricity. Thanks to our excellent staff for all they do to make Waverly a great place to live.