Urgent Call to Redding Homeowners: Speak Up at Tomorrow's Public Hearing on Proposed Electric Rate Increases
- Kari Chilson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Redding homeowners, your electric bills could rise significantly if the proposed Redding Electric Utility (REU) rate hikes are approved—and the Redding City Council is set to hold the decisive public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (777 Cypress Avenue). This is your critical opportunity to have your voice heard before a vote that could lock in four years of annual 4.5% increases starting April 1, 2026.
The proposal calls for consecutive 4.5% revenue increases each year through 2029. For the average residential customer, this translates to roughly $7–$8 more per month initially, compounding over time as power supply costs surge.
Concerns have been raised about fiscal accountability. Councilmember Tenessa Audette voted against setting the hearing (in a 4-1 decision) and has pushed for greater transparency, particularly on rising personnel costs (which have climbed sharply in recent budgets) and whether internal efficiencies—like controlling operations, maintenance, and staffing expenses—have been fully addressed before asking ratepayers to shoulder more.
Public input matters immensely. If you have questions about the justification, impacts on your household, alternatives to rate hikes, or ways to improve cost controls, now is the time to raise them.
How to Participate:
Attend in person at Redding City Hall tomorrow evening.
Speak during the public comment portion of the hearing on Item 6.1 (Public Hearing to consider Resolution approving REU rate increases and increasing the Residential Energy Discount).
Submit written comments to the City Council ahead of or during the meeting for the record.
For more details, including financial impacts and FAQs, visit the official city page: cityofredding.gov (search for "Proposed Electric Utility Rate Changes").
Your electricity powers your home, family, and community—don't let decisions about its cost happen without your input. Attend tomorrow, share your perspective, and help ensure the City Council hears directly from the people it serves. Responsible stewardship of public resources starts with an engaged public. Be there—your voice could make a difference.
