As a municipally owned utility, BPUB is committed to providing reliable services at fair, cost-based rates. Rate adjustments are sometimes necessary to maintain infrastructure, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. All rate changes follow a transparent public process with opportunities for customer input.
Why Rates Change
- System Upgrades — Modernizing aging water, wastewater, and electric infrastructure
- Capacity Expansion — Adding infrastructure to serve growing areas
- Regulatory Compliance — Meeting federal and state environmental and safety standards
- Technology Improvements — Implementing smart meters, automation, and efficiency upgrades
The Rate Adjustment Process
BPUB follows a structured, transparent process for all rate changes:
Cost of Service Study
Independent consultants analyze current and projected operating costs, infrastructure needs, revenue requirements, and rate structure alternatives.
Board Review
The BPUB Board reviews the cost study, weighing financial sustainability, customer affordability, system reliability, and alternative funding options.
Public Notice
Minimum 30 days advance notice via bill inserts, website updates, and media announcements before any public hearing.
Public Hearings
Customers attend public Board meetings to provide written or verbal comments, ask questions, and review supporting documentation.
Board Recommendation
The BPUB Board votes in a public meeting to recommend the proposed rates. The Board does not set rates itself — it forwards its recommendation to the Brownsville City Commission. All meetings are open to the public, recorded, and documented in official minutes.
City Commission Approval
The Brownsville City Commission reviews the Board's recommendation and votes in a public meeting to approve, modify, or reject the proposed rates. The City Commission holds final authority over BPUB rate changes.
Implementation
Rates approved by the City Commission take effect 30-60 days later, with additional customer notifications and updated rate schedules published online.
Types of Rate Adjustments
Base Rate Adjustments
Changes to the fundamental rate structure, including customer service charges, consumption tier rates, demand charges, and connection fees.
Fuel & Purchased Energy Charge (F&PEC)
The F&PEC adjusts monthly based on wholesale power costs. This pass-through charge ensures BPUB can recover fluctuating fuel expenses without frequent base rate changes.
- View Current F&PEC Rates
- Updates posted monthly
Emergency or Temporary Adjustments
In rare cases, temporary surcharges may be implemented for natural disaster recovery, regulatory compliance deadlines, or unexpected system failures.
Current Rates
Electric Rates
View current residential and commercial electric rate schedules.
Learn moreWater & Wastewater Rates
Current water and wastewater rates for all customer classes.
Learn moreCity Fees & Taxes
Municipal fees and taxes included on your utility bill.
Learn moreApproved Rate Schedule
The multi-year rate adjustments approved in 2022, effective through 2026.
Learn moreFor historical rate data and past adjustments, please contact customer service or review archived Board meeting minutes on the Meetings page.
Why BPUB Rates Are Different
Elected
Local Control
Rates approved by the locally elected Brownsville City Commission
Non-Profit
No Profit Motive
Revenue funds improvements, not shareholder dividends
100%
Reinvestment
Funds stay in the community for infrastructure and services
Direct
Accountability
Responsive to customer needs through public process
Understand your bill
Learn how to read your monthly utility bill and see exactly how rates are applied to your consumption.
View bill guideGet Involved
BPUB rate adjustments are recommended by the Board and approved by the Brownsville City Commission in public meetings. Stay informed and make your voice heard.