Latest news with #utilityrates
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Planned 9.8% increase in non-domestic water charges undermining viability of hotels, says IHF
Non-domestic water charges are set to be increased by 9.8 per cent in October following a decision by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), but hoteliers have expressed 'serious concerns' over the increase. Michael Magner, the IHF president, described the increase as 'yet another example of the relentless increases in operating costs that are eroding Irish competitiveness and undermining the viability of businesses.' The new water and wastewater tariff rates will be effective from October 1st. The move is to 'ensure the recovery of costs of water services' and would aide 'the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of water services,' the CRU said. The decision to increase all charges by the same percentage value was made in the hopes of 'retaining the equity of cost allocation in the 2024 tariffs for all customer types' the CRU said in the decision published on Monday. READ MORE The IHF president said that, over the past two years, the average 70-bedroom hotel in Ireland will have seen an increase of over 40 per cent in its water tariffs. He said the increase is 'unsustainable given the exceptionally challenging environment' for Irish hotels. 'As a big consumer of water services, the hospitality sector is disproportionately impacted by increases in water tariffs, which businesses are unable to absorb.' Mr Magner said the 'cumulative impact of these and other cost increases now poses a serious threat to the viability of many businesses through our wider tourism and hospitality sector.' He said the sector is concerned about potential future annual increases over the next four years and the 'ongoing transfer of unjustifiable costs arising from inefficiencies in the delivery of water services in Ireland' while calling for a 'fairer funding model' to sustain water services and cost competitiveness for businesses.' Uisce Eireann had originally suggested a 13 per cent increase in charges to the CRU, which decides the rate, alongside two alternative increases of 1.7 per cent – in line with the harmonised index of consumer prices for 2025 – and 6.9 per cent – the average growth in Uisce Eireann's approved allowed revenues from 2020 to 2024. During a consultation period on the decision, the CRU received 22 submissions which opposed any increase but it noted that while 'affordability and competitiveness are significant issues for non-domestic customers and the Irish economy', Uisce Eireann is required to run in a 'commercially viable manner'. The regulator noted the increase was 'similar, or lower than' increases in similar percentage increases in UK water utilities. In light of the submissions received, the CRU said the 9.8 per cent increase was 'the most balanced approach'. 'The CRU is aware of the impact of bill increases for certain non-domestic customers and has engaged with Uisce Éireann to ensure that there are measures in place when engaging with customers with financial difficulties.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
House members seek answers from grid operator as rate-setting electricity auction begins
New Jersey's grid operator is hosting a new auction that could affect future utility rates. Last year's auction helped contribute to a big spike starting in June. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) As the company that operates New Jersey's grid begins a new electricity auction that will help set rates for future utility bills, a group of House members say they want to avoid a repeat of last year's auction results that led to skyrocketing electric prices this summer. A new letter to grid operator PJM Interconnection signed by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-05) asks the company's president, Manu Asthana, to describe what PJM is doing to avoid more 'unnecessary cost burdens on ratepayers' and how his company is improving transparency as it launches the new auction. 'Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the steps PJM is taking to ensure that the millions of families and seniors that fall within PJM's region do not face yet another price hike in their electricity bills,' Gottheimer and nine other members of Congress wrote. PJM is the grid operator for New Jersey and 12 other states. In New Jersey, utilities annually buy electricity supply through auctions like the one PJM is hosting starting Wednesday (it ends July 15, with results public on July 22). Its July 2024 auction saw electric capacity prices reach record totals, increasing by more than 800% over the previous year, an increase that helped contribute to skyrocketing electric bills New Jersey customers saw starting last month. PJM said the higher totals were the result of an imbalance between electricity supply and demand. New Jersey Democrats like Gov. Phil Murphy have criticized PJM by saying it is too slow to add renewable projects to its grid, projects that the Democrats say would help lower customers' bills. The House members' letter says they want to know how PJM is ensuring sufficient capacity amid rising electrification and increasing demand for power-hungry data centers. In June, a group of New Jersey lawmakers announced a package of bills they said would help modernize the state's electric grid and stabilize rates. One legislator suggested that without major reforms, New Jersey should consider working with another regional transmission company. In April, Murphy urged Federal Energy Regulatory Commission officials to investigate whether the 2024 auction was 'subject to market manipulation.' The state Board of Public Utilities has also blamed the 'flawed market dynamics in the PJM region' for increasing costs. Republicans have pointed fingers at Murphy's energy policies, saying he was too focused on failed wind energy projects. Last month, in response to spiking utility bills, the Board of Public Utilities approved a plan to defer $60 from customers' summer bills and extend $175 in bill credits to low-income ratepayers. PJM spokesman Jeff Shields said the company will respond to Wednesday's letter 'as is our practice' and said congressional action could be key to alleviating the scarcity of energy nationwide. 'PJM has taken multiple steps, with FERC approval, to maximize the availability of generation that participates in the auction in order to help balance the supply shortage we are experiencing in relation to the accelerating growth in demand for electricity,' he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millions of Americans brace for high utility bills amid ongoing price hikes — here's why electricity rates are going up
As utility providers in Pennsylvania and other states in the eastern U.S. prepare to raise rates because of increasing demand and a shrinking supply of traditional power generation, millions of residents are expecting higher energy bills starting this month. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that rate increases took effect across the state on June 1 as utilities updated their charges to reflect higher wholesale prices. Duquesne Light customers can expect their average monthly bill to increase from $137.99 to $147.41, and West Penn Power customers should plan for price hikes from $146.61 to approximately $154 per month. Because the costs of energy have increased by roughly 44% on the regional transmission grid that manages the reliability and wholesale electricity market for Pennsylvania, PJM Interconnection, local utilities are forced to pass on costs to consumers. These price adjustments, which change every three months to keep up with market prices, account for around 50% of the total utility bill. PJM coordinates electricity across 13 states, including Ohio and New Jersey, where electric supply costs are expected to rise by 10% to 36% this month. Other factors contributing to surging electricity prices include the retirement of older power plants, particularly coal plants, before new ones come online to replace them; transmission bottlenecks; an extraordinary demand from data centers; a resurgence in manufacturing; and the transition to clean energy. The northeastern U.S. is already experiencing higher costs of living and inflation rates than the national average. If customers are also saddled with skyrocketing electric bills, they may have little breathing room and trouble keeping up with bills. However, these rate hikes are generally beyond the control of regional grid operators, which are at the mercy of complex factors that impact prices, as Seth Blumsack, a professor of energy policy and economics at Penn State University, explained to the Gazette. "In the electricity market, there are big portions of people's bills that are" determined elsewhere, he said. While customers worry about higher electric bills, it's worth noting that the push to build data centers has a larger impact on our shared environment. Data centers require massive amounts of energy — often derived from dirty fuels — and consume valuable resources, such as land and water, ultimately harming wildlife and ecosystems. As the Gazette noted, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission provided tips for customers to save money on bills this summer as temperatures rise. These include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, sealing leaks, using fans to reduce air conditioning needs, and setting your smart thermostat to an energy-saving setting when you're away from home. Do you think your energy bills are too high? Always Usually Only in certain months Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, the most effective way to reduce electric bills and achieve energy independence is by installing solar panels, which also help the environment by reducing pollution. While the initial investment in solar can be expensive, leasing can help homeowners access cheaper, cleaner energy without having to pay thousands of dollars upfront. Palmetto's LightReach program offers affordable financing options to lease solar panels (including plans with $0 down), allowing customers to enjoy the benefits of solar while avoiding massive installation fees. If you'd rather own a solar system outright, you can check out EnergySage's free tools that help you compare quotes from vetted contractors. Depending on your situation, it may be more advantageous to buy instead of lease solar panels, but if you're on the fence about which to choose, Palmetto's list of pros and cons can point you in the right direction. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners with solar panels share firsthand advice with cautious shoppers: 'Haven't paid more than 20 dollars for a bill in 5 years'
Thinking about going solar but unsure if it's worth it? One homeowner's experience offered a clear answer and sparked plenty of online conversation. Their simple setup helped slash energy bills while cutting back on the use of dirty energy sources such as gas, coal, and oil. With rising utility rates and frequent extreme weather events, homeowners are looking for smarter ways to power their homes. Redditors may have found the ultimate home energy hack: solar panels combined with battery storage. One Redditor said they "haven't paid more than 20 dollars for a bill in 5 years" thanks to their setup. This type of system not only powers homes but also charges batteries to offset usage during non-sunny hours or high-rate periods. "Batteries can help manage the gap between your solar production and usage and most utilities offer generous rebates in exchange for grid stabilization," another user explained. While upfront costs can be a concern for some, tools such as EnergySage's solar calculator can quickly estimate personalized savings and compare vetted installers in your area. Its mapping tool also shows average installation costs in each state and provides details on statewide incentives. For the Redditor, the most immediate benefit was financial. With monthly energy bills consistently under $20, the system likely paid for itself or is well on its way to doing so. "I'm on hourly pricing too! Solar powers everything during the day including high energy demand. And I get cheap night electric rates. Best of both worlds," they added. But solar's impact isn't just economic. Generating clean energy from the sun helps reduce dependence on gas, coal, and oil and can lower a household's impact on the climate. It's a smart upgrade that pays off financially while benefiting the planet. According to EnergySage, homeowners can save 20% to 30% or more with federal and state incentives. However, a potential shift in U.S. energy policy could change that. Lawmakers have hinted at rolling back the current 30% investment tax credit as early as this year, according to Solar Builder. That means homeowners may need to act quickly to secure thousands in savings. Fellow Redditors jumped in with questions and encouragement. Some praised the results and asked for setup details, while others raised concerns about initial costs or regional restrictions. Still, many shared similar experiences, especially those with battery systems. For those exploring solar, this hack proves its potential. Pairing solar panels with batteries for energy storage can help more families cut costs and build toward a cooler, cleaner future. If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Energy independence Lower power bills Helping the planet No chance I ever go solar Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
New York Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Power Bills Are Squeezing Georgians. Voters Could Do Something About It.
Tony Gantt was sitting in his living room in southern Georgia with the lights off, a deliberate choice, showing a visitor his social media exchange with an elected official over skyrocketing electric bills. 'My GA Power bill in Nov 2022 was $159,' Mr. Gantt posted on X last fall, attaching screenshots. 'My bill now is $615 plus. Robbery.' He got a response from Tim Echols, a member of the Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities. Suspecting a malfunctioning air-conditioner, Mr. Echols asked Mr. Gantt for more details. Actually, Mr. Gantt replied, his air-conditioner was new. The only explanation for his 'obscene' bills, he told Mr. Echols, was a series of rate increases that the commission had approved, despite 'people begging you to not raise rates.' Mr. Gantt will have a chance to amplify his voice on Tuesday, when Mr. Echols will compete in a special primary election. It will be the first time in five years that any of the commission's five members have faced voters. Georgia is one of only 10 states with elected, rather than appointed, utility regulators, who play a key role in energy and climate policy. So this week's primary and the general election in November, when Mr. Echols's seat and another will be up for grabs, will be a rare referendum on residential electric bills, at a time when prices have risen sharply across the country. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
