UtilitiesFriday, November 6
OMU's rate plan would raise an example electric bill by 42 cents in February
The Daily Owensboro team
If you pay an OMU electric bill, February's changes look small on paper. The City Utility Commission approved the plan Thursday, and the Owensboro City Commission is next. A first reading is scheduled for Nov. 17, with a second reading and vote Dec. 1.
The city commission takes up the rate plan this month and next
- Nov. 5City Utility Commission approves the rate proposal.
- Nov. 17First reading of the base rate ordinance is scheduled.
- Dec. 1Second reading and vote are scheduled.
- Feb. 2027Proposed effective date for the new rates.
Sources: Messenger-Inquirer, The Owensboro Times
OMU's example is a home using 900 kilowatt-hours a month with a single-phase meter. Its bill would go from $138.46 to $138.88, about 0.3% more. The plan raises base rates 18.5% and cuts the energy cost adjustment, or ECA, by roughly 62.4%.
The base rate rises as the energy cost adjustment falls
| Now | Measure | February 2027 proposal |
|---|---|---|
| 9.86¢ | Base energy charge, per kWh | 12.12¢ |
| 3.50¢ | Cost adjustment, per kWh | 1.32¢ |
| $138.5 | Example monthly bill | $138.9 |
Source: The Owensboro Times
- Fixed charge: $18 single-phase, $33 three-phase, unchanged
- September step: ECA rose from 2.47 to 3.5 cents
- Example bill: $9.69 above its June level of $129.19
- Power costs: about $64 million in fiscal year 2028
OMU Director of Finance and Accounting Laura Chapman told commissioners the changes address rising power supply costs and keep enough cash in reserve. “We see our power costs significantly increasing over the next four to five years,” Chapman said.
Sources: Messenger-Inquirer, The Owensboro Times