2023 Utility Billing Rates Announced

Westerville’s average residential utility customer can expect to see an overall increase to their monthly utility bill of 2.32%, effective January 2023. A notice about the rate changes was included with utility bills sent in December 2022.

“Like all industries, we have seen a significant increase due to supply chain issues,” said Monica Irelan, City Manager. “Thankfully, our team works diligently to keep those impacts minimal to the customer. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the average residential customer will see an increase to their monthly utility bill of just under $5. These rate changes will allow us to continue the high level of service delivery in water, sewer, refuse and electricity that our residents expect and deserve.”

Westerville is among the few municipalities in Ohio to own and maintain its own utilities, including water and electric service and distribution. Doing so allows the City to provide technical and service support for nearly 40,000 residents and more than 2,000 businesses while maintaining quality and cost control which has historically been among the most competitive in Central Ohio.

REFUSE COLLECTION RATE

Rumpke Waste, Inc. provides contractual solid waste collection and disposal services to the City of Westerville. The collection and disposal of solid waste for an owner, occupant, or tenant of a residential premise is $25.50 or an increase of $1 to the previous monthly service charge for non-senior residential customers. Qualifying senior residents are billed at $23.21, or an increase of $1, to the monthly service charge.

The refuse rate is a result of competitive bidding of this contract with the service provider. Westerville participates in a refuse consortium including Dublin, New Albany, Gahanna, Bexley, Reynoldsburg, Blendon, Mifflin, Plain and Washington Townships.

Residents who are 60 years of age or older can apply for a monthly refuse collection discount. Contact the Utility Billing Department for more information.

ELECTRIC RATE

The monthly customer charge of $14 remains unchanged. Residential and General Service. Small customers will see a 1% increase in their electric rates. The Winter Discounted Energy Charge will increase to $0.07175 per kWh. Rate increases reflect the increased cost of goods and rapidly rising transmission and capacity costs.

SEWER RATE

Residential customers in Westerville are billed monthly for sanitary sewer services based on the metered water consumption.

The City of Westerville contracts nearly all wastewater treatment with the City of Columbus. In January, the City of Columbus will increase the sewage treatment rate by 5%. An additional 0.5% increase is applied for Westerville operating and capital expenses, for a total of a 5.5% sewer rate increase.

WATER CONSUMPTION RATE

Water rates are based on consumption to reflect the actual cost of service. The average residential water customer (at 5 ccf*) will see a 2% ($.50) increase per month.

Westerville water services are among the most affordable in Franklin County. (*ccf = 1 billing unit or 100 cubic ft. Rates are per ccf.)

To learn how your utility bill is calculated, visit www.westerville.org/utilitybilling