KUB scales back power rate increase
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - A proposed electric rate increase for KUB residential customers this summer has been scaled down to $1.91 a month instead of $3 a month as originally planned.
In February, Knoxville Utilities Board officials told KUB commissioners that an electric rate hike that had been deferred for four years was now necessary in order to keep up with basic operations and maintenance of the electric system.
A $3 per month increase was proposed at that time, but when the KUB board met, Vice President of Finance Mark Walker said that through further costsaving measures, the increase could be reduced to $1.91 per month. The proposed increase will have to be voted on by KUB commissioners at the May and June meetings and if approved, would take effect in July.
In other action, the KUB board approved $14.8 million in appropriations for its electric and water divisions to meet anticipated needs beyond the fiscal year and approved the refunding of $22.2 million in outstanding gas, water and wastewater division bonds to achieve a projected savings of $1.6 million.
Related News

Sudbury, Ont., eco groups say sustainability is key to grid's future
SUDBURY - Sudbury, Ont., is consuming more power than ever, according to green energy organizations that say meeting the demand will require cleaner energy sources.
"This is the welfare of the entire city on the line and they are putting their trust in electrification," said David St. Georges, manager of communications at reThink Green, a non-profit organization focused on sustainability in Sudbury.
According to St. Georges, Sudbury and northern Ontario can meet the growing demand for electricity to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and smart devices.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), making a full switch from fossil fuels to other renewable…