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Aspen Utility Bills To Rise In 2020

Wikipedia

In 2019, Aspen residents saw a hike in their electric and water bills. They’ll see another one in 2020. 

Starting Jan. 1, residential electric bills will go up 5% and water bills by 7%, on average. This means residents could pay around $15 extra a month for utility services. 

The yearly hikes are a part of a five-year plan passed by Aspen City Council in 2018 to raise utility rates incrementally between 2019-2023. 

The increases apply to all residential and commercial buildings.  

“Since we haven’t moved rates in a significant way in previous years, this is our attempt to catch up but not put a heavy burden on our ratepayers,” City of Aspen utility director Tyler Christoff said. 

He said the new rate will help the utility department cover things like inflation costs, maintenance of lines and cables and any repairs. So far, Christoff said, he hasn’t heard any complaints about the increasing rates. 

“To some degree, our community understands that we’re all part of the same group trying to maintain this important community asset,” he said.

The new water and electric rates for 2020 were passed by Aspen City Council Tuesday.