The domestic water rates for single family properties, individual condominium units and townhouse units equipped with a meter shall consist of three components - a base charge, a commodity charge and a pump zone charge.

The commercial water rates for all other multiple dwelling units, trailer parks, public use, dedicated irrigation and commercial establishments shall consist of three components - a base charge, a commodity charge and a pump zone charge.

Residential customers are charged based on actual electric use recorded on an electric meter.

For more information on Time-of-Use Rate, click here.

Commercial customers are charged based on actual electric use recorded on an electric meter.

Power Cost Adjustment

All TDPUD electric customers were issued an electric bill credit in May, June and July under the new Power Cost Adjustment. 

What is Power Cost Adjustment?

A Power Cost Adjustment allows electric bills to reflect—up or down—changes in energy procurement costs, in order to adapt to short-term price changes in real time, without requiring a permanent rate change. The PCA is calculated and implemented quarterly, and is a new line item on customers’ monthly bills.

Why did I receive a credit on my bill in May, June and July?

During the first three months of 2024, power costs were about $325,500 less than TDPUD budgeted for, which results in a credit to customers under the PCA. All customers—residential and commercial—will receive a credit of $.0088 per kilowatt hour on their bill for the next three months (May, June and July).

Why did you spend less than expected on procuring energy in early 2024?

Power costs were under budget due to lower prices on natural gas, landfill gas and wind. Energy usage during January through March is also heavily influenced by heating costs, and with this year’s mild winter, customers used less energy for heating than was anticipated.

How do you calculate the credit amount?

The overall credit amount is determined by the amount of the budget overage. The exact credit amount each account receives is determined by usage. For this cycle, it amounts to an average residential credit of $7.36 per month.

When did TDPUD implement the Power Cost Adjustment?

The Power Cost Adjustment was approved in November 2023 as part of the 2024-25 electric rates. It went into effect on January 1, 2024.

Does a Power Cost Adjustment always result in a bill credit?

No. When there is a budget surplus for power purchasing, TDPUD no longer keeps that overage in reserves, which immediately benefits customers. However, it’s important to note that if there is a quarter where power costs exceed budget, that will result in a subsequent overage charge for customers.

2024 Electric Rate Increase

On Nov. 1, 2023, The Truckee Donner PUD Board of Directors voted to approve a two-year electric rate schedule that includes an official increase to electric rates for 2024 and 2025. This was necessary to cover the cost of operating the electric utility, as we encounter price increases across our industry, from equipment and energy purchases and government-mandated projects to system maintenance costs to general inflation. We pride ourselves on our commitment to prioritizing affordability, while still providing high-quality, reliable electric service. We encourage our customers to read below to learn more about the pressures our utility is facing, and how we’ve chosen to respond while keeping customers in mind. 

Read the full press release here.

Rate Schedule

Electric Rates FAQ

How are electric rates determined?

TDPUD is a not-for-profit and community owned utility, meaning rates are based on the cost of service to meet the community’s energy demands. We charge only what is needed to fund the operation of the utility. 

Why does TDPUD need to increase rates?

We have to account for increasing costs pressures due to volatility in the energy market, supply chain constraints, unfunded government mandates and inflation.

Natural gas shortages coupled with extreme weather caused significant energy spikes in the last year. At the time, we covered that $3M budget shortfall using reserve funds, but now we will need to replenish those funds over the next few years, so we are prepared for the next unanticipated event. Aside from these spikes, overall, the cost of energy is increasing across almost all resource types.

Inflation and supply chain delays have increased the cost of doing business across all industries. There are some things we are required to do by the state and federal government, but we usually do not receive financial assistance to meet those mandates. Like so many of us in the Sierra Nevada, rising insurance costs have also had an impact on our budget. 

What opportunities were given to the public to learn about and comment on the budget and rate increases?

We held three workshops on Aug. 16, Sept. 20, and Oct. 18 with our board of directors, all of which were open to the public and posted. On Nov. 1, we held a public hearing, which was advertised in the Sierra Sun on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, ahead of the budget and rate adoption.

When will rate increases go into effect?

The first increase will occur on Jan. 1, 2024, or soon thereafter. The second increase will occur on Jan. 1, 2025, or soon thereafter.

How do TDPUD’s electric rates compare to other providers in our region?

With this increase, our rates remain in line with other regional public power utilities but are still less than what others in the Truckee/Tahoe region pay for investor-owned utility service. We are one of the most affordable utilities in Northern California and across the state. But we know how to stretch our dollars; TDPUD has still achieved more than 60% renewable/clean electric resources in our portfolio and invested in system performance and reliability.

What is TDPUD doing to ensure affordability?

TDPUD strives to stay true to its mission of balancing high-quality, reliable service with affordability. We understand this is a difficult financial time for many in our community, and across the country. We do not want to add to the burden.  At the same time, we can’t be shortsighted, and we need to operate our utility in a way that ensures resiliency and reliability. We accomplish this through investments in projects that benefit our community and strengthen our infrastructure. But it’s important to note that some of the biggest increases in our budget are fixed costs driven by economic and market volatility that we have little control over.

What are some ways customers can have more control over their electric bills?

One of the most effective ways for customers to save money on their electric bills is by reducing their energy usage through conservation and efficiency. Visit tdpud.org/wintertips for advice on how to save energy in colder months, and go to tdpud.org/rebate to learn about the rebate programs we offer for energy efficient upgrades to your home.

The next step for customers would be to consider enrolling in our new time-of-use rate. This program charges customers a lower rate for using energy during off-peak hours, but charges more for energy use during peak times. This rate is best for customers who are able to shift the bulk of their energy usage to off-peak times.

What is a time-of-use rate?

The optional time-of-use rate is a way to give customers control of their energy costs by incentivizing energy use outside of the peak times when energy costs the most to procure. TDPUD sees its peak energy usage during the winter, on weekends and at nighttime, from 4 to 9 p.m. This demand dictates what kind of electricity TDPUD needs to buy, and electricity purchased during peak times is almost always more expensive.

The TOU rate is another way for customers to change their behavior to use electricity at off-peak times when it is less expensive (and most often cleaner). The optional TOU rate provides a peak rate that reflects the higher costs during that period and a reduced rate for the lower costs during the off-peak period.

When will a time-of-use rate be available to customers?

We are currently creating this new rate in our system, which will take time since it’s the first time we have offered this sort of rate structure. We expect to be ready to enroll customers in a time-of-use rate in mid-2024.

How do I know if a time-of-use rate is right for my household?

We are developing tools to help customers analyze their current electric usage and compare how a time-of-use rate would affect their bill. We will announce these tools when they are ready.

2021-2025 Water Rates

Water rates set by public agencies in California are subject to Proposition 218, which requires that rates be based on cost of service, ensuring the rates are proportional to the services customers use. For residential customers, the cost of service is based on the amount of water used, pumping charges associated with their location in the water system, and the maintenance of fire flow capacity.

TDPUD worked with reputable, independent consultants to design a rate structure to account for future costs.

To view the 2020 Water Rate Study, click here.

To learn more about the 2021-2025 water rates, click here.