Electric rates remain unchanged, water rates increase Jan. 1

VANCOUVER – The Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 annual budgets for the electric, generating and water systems during their regular meeting on Tuesday. 

“The decisions outlined in these budgets prudently balance our commitment to delivering at-cost, reliable energy and water services today with long-term investments that ensure our systems are prepared to support the future growth of our communities,” said Nancy Barnes, president of the Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners. 

The electric system’s 2026 operating revenue budget is $493.5 million — $309 million of which is allocated to purchasing power, including hydropower, wind energy, and transmission services to meet forecasted load. Last year’s electric operating revenue budget was $488 million. 

The electric system’s operating and maintenance budget is $89.6 million, compared to $82.3 million in 2025, with the remainder comprised of taxes, debt service, rate-funded capital, and funding for energy efficiency programs. The generating system operating revenue budget is $96.8 million for 2026, down from $97.5 million in 2025. 

The water system operating revenue budget is $38.4 million, compared to $23.3 million in 2025. The increase is driven by a projected rise in water sales revenue and $9 million in grant funding. In October, commissioners approved water rate increases to make significant infrastructure improvements across the system. 

Capital budgets for both electric and water prioritize service reliability and long-term system resilience through planned infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. The combined electric and generating systems capital budget is $100.7 million. Capital projects slated for 2026 include substation, transmission, and underground distribution line construction and upgrades, as well as generating system improvements. The $36.5 million water system capital budget allocates funds for significant improvements in production, reservoir, and distribution capacity as part of a 20-year plan to enhance service in developing areas of unincorporated Clark County. 

Clark Public Utilities maintains the lowest per-customer operations and maintenance costs of any public utility district in Washington, according to the most recent data from the Washington Public Utility District Association. The utility also continues to operate one of the most reliable electric grids in the nation, with outage frequency and durations below both state and national averages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

About Clark Public Utilities

Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 240,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 41,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas.  More information at (360) 992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.