Tulsans could see another increase on their utility bills this fall. Starting in October, typical customers would have to pay another $5.82 on average. This follows last October’s bump of $4.71.
The latest proposed utility increase is a rate adjustment under Mayor Monroe Nichols’ 2027 budget plan, totaling $1.22 billion. The increase is projected to bring in more than $18 million in revenue next year, according to the city. The proposal still needs approval from city councilors.
“I know that an increase in monthly bills is never something that’s easy to hear, especially as affordability continues to be a challenge for residents across our city,” Nichols said at the April 22 council meeting. “However, these adjustments aren’t about making a profit. They’re about the urgent reality of maintaining the invisible systems that we all rely on.”
Revenue supports pipe maintenance, costs of operation and treatment plants, as well as other projects specific to utility services. The Tulsa Authority for the Recovery of Energy (TARE) last approved new rates in March, and the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority signed off in April.
According to Michelle Brooks, a city spokeswoman, Tulsans can expect annual rate increases for all utilities as part of a five-year budget balancing plan. This will cover the cost of maintaining and replacing older infrastructure as prices continue to outpace inflation.
“Phased rate adjustments allow the city to stay ahead of those needs, protect public health and support long-term growth without placing a larger burden on customers all at once,” Brooks said in an email to the Flyer.
The new proposed rate adjustment is broken down by category: water, sewer, stormwater, refuse and recycling and EMSA. The increases below equate to the almost $6 increase proposed for Tulsa utility bills.
- 7% for water
- 4.7% for sewer
- 7% for stormwater
- 4% for refuse and recycling
Customers enrolled in EMSAcare will not see a change for that service.
For a full understanding of your utility bill, check out our coverage here.
Utility rates get reevaluated every year. Some of these increases are higher than what was predicted in last year’s budget, while others are lower. Water was only projected to increase 4% next year instead of 7%, but stormwater was projected to increase 9% instead of 7%.
Increases are projected until 2031, according to this year’s budget proposal. If you need help paying your bills, the city recommends calling 311 or 211 and visiting the Financial Empowerment Center.
News decisions at the Tulsa Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
