Utility bills in Boulder City could be heading up. City officials are proposing to raise electric, water and wastewater rates by up to 5 percent each year for three years, a plan they say would generate roughly $1.46 million in new annual revenue to shore up aging infrastructure and plug utility fund shortfalls. The proposal would apply to both commercial and residential customers and would take effect in Fiscal Year 2027 if approved.
According to the City of Boulder City, the municipality hired consulting firm FCS Group to complete a comprehensive utility financial plan and rate study that shaped draft resolutions recommending the hikes. The notice lays out a three-year schedule of up to 5.00 percent increases in FY2027 through FY2029 and includes tables that project FY2026 through FY2029 rates for commercial and industrial customers.
The city shared the notice on its official X account on Thursday, pointing followers to a flyer and an online comment form for more information. The post urged residents, business owners and other stakeholders to review the proposed rate schedules and send in feedback before the public comment window closes.
Why officials say rates need to rise
City staff say the proposed increases are aimed at funding electric capital projects, stabilizing the water operating fund and paying for wastewater system upgrades. In recent years, local reporting has documented sharp jumps in market power costs and a growing reliance on reserves, leaving officials arguing that the utilities need a more reliable revenue base, as reported by Boulder City Review.
How much the changes would raise
According to the City of Boulder City, the adjustments are projected to bring in about $1,458,000 in additional annual revenue, with roughly $925,000 going to the electric utility, $393,000 to water and $94,000 to wastewater. The notice also states that a Business Impact Statement must be prepared to determine whether the proposed hikes would impose a "direct and significant economic burden" on local businesses before the council takes final action.
How to weigh in
Residents and business owners can submit written comments through August 13, 2026 using the city's online comment form, by emailing [email protected], or by mailing feedback to the Public Works and Utilities Department at 401 California Avenue, Boulder City, NV 89005, as noted in a post on X. The post and the city notice include the proposed resolutions and detailed rate tables so customers can see the projected impact on their specific rate class. Public Works staff will compile all comments and prepare the Business Impact Statement before bringing final resolutions back to the council for consideration.
What to watch next
Residents should keep an eye on upcoming council agendas and public hearing dates, since any approval timeline will hinge on when those items are scheduled. Customers with questions can contact the Public Works and Utilities Department using the address above or by calling the department listed on the City of Boulder City website.
