Rate Advisory Commission Newsletter
APPLICANTS NEEDED FOR UTILITIES RATE ADVISORY COMMISSION
New Panel to Advise City Leadership on Proposed Rate Changes
City of Sacramento residents are invited to apply for the Utilities Rate Advisory Commission, a new panel envisioned to be a sounding board for proposed rate changes and expert advisory board to the Mayor and City Council. Members will also serve as a community liaison, providing information about utility service rates and collecting feedback.
"We understand that customer input in the rate setting process is vital to balancing service levels set by the City Council with competitive rates," said Department of Utilities Director Gary Reents. "The Rate Advisory Commission provides a new avenue for residents to actively participate in finding that balance."
The seven-member commission will represent ratepayers in each customer classification, including residential, multifamily, commercial and industrial. Members will include five professional experts in key areas such as finance, law, engineering, construction and environmental services and two at-large members. The group will review the Department's rate proposals and provide insight and input. The group will also hold a public rate hearing and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
The commission will be appointed by the Mayor, approved by the City Council, to staggered, two-year terms and is expected to meet between four and 12 times per year, beginning in spring 2008. Although the commission will advise City leadership about proposed rate changes, the Sacramento City Council will continue to set utility service levels and ultimately decide whether to approve rates.
An application and additional information can be found on the Department of Utilities website, the City Clerk's Office at 915 I Street, 1st Floor or at the Department of Utilities office at 1395 35th Avenue in Sacramento. The application deadline is February 22, 2008.