HU electric, gas rates drop, water costs rise

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle Utilities customers can expect to see a reduction in home heating costs this winter thanks to lower electric and natural gas rates. The volumetric rate for water is a different story, however, as it is going up slightly.
The average residential electric customer (based on the use of 1,080 kw) will see a $16.80 per month decline in costs during the fourth quarter compared to the same period a year ago.
HU customers who use natural gas can expect to see their home heating costs drop by about 12 percent compared to the same time last year, Sittason said.
He said he expects gas prices to remain stable barring a natural disaster or extremely cold winter temperatures.
The Utilities Board approved a 12 cents per 1,000 gallons water rate increase at its regular meeting Monday night. It was made retroactive to Oct. 1.
The increase is a pass-through from a rate increase HU received from its water supplier, Decatur Utilities and will amount to 59 cents per month for the average water customer.