Some Hercules Residents May See 40% Electric Rate Hike; Garbage Rates May Also Increase

A 10-year run of cheap electricity may soon come to an end for some Hercules residents.

The city's Promenade subdivision was built 10 years ago with a subsidized deal that kept electric rates 10 percent cheaper than PG&E, according to a report from Hercules City Manager Steve Duran.

That agreement ends at the end of this month.

"Since Hercules Municipal Utility (HMU) residential rates are approximately 30 percent higher than PG&E rates, HMU rates for Promenade residential customer rates will be going up approximately 40 percent," the report states.

The Hercules City Council is scheduled to discuss the item at its Jan. 8 meeting, and city staff will ask the council to consider implementing the increase in phases.

But Promenade residents aren't the only ones facing a utility rate hike.

Richmond Sanitary Service (RSS) recently applied to raise solid waste rates in Hercules by 11 percent, according to the report.

"The initial review was completed last week and staff will be meeting with RSS to discuss the findings," the report from Duran says. "Once any issues have been resolved, staff will be bringing forward a recommendation to City Council for consideration."

The city council would be required to hold a public hearing on the matter before raising rates.

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