Norwich Public Utilities Raises Rates Amid Infrastructure Upgrades

Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) has announced rate increases across all four of its services, starting November 1. The hikes will be phased in over three years, with natural gas rates rising by 2.8%, electric rates increasing by 3.3%, water rates going up by 5.1%, and wastewater rates more than doubling to over 15%. On average, customers can expect to pay around $20 more per month once the increases take effect.

The NPU's general manager, Jeff Brining, cited the need for additional revenue to fund infrastructure improvements, including upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant. The state is covering about 35% of the $200 million cost, with the remaining amount being paid through a loan. Around 7,700 customers will have to contribute to this outstanding balance.

Brining explained that NPU chose to implement the rate increases gradually rather than all at once, allowing customers to plan and adjust accordingly. This approach is in contrast to Eversource's proposed 18% rate hike, which would be significantly higher than NPU's average increase of less than 6%. Norwich residents such as Heidi Boehm and Rhonda Douglas expressed mixed reactions to the news, with some viewing it as a necessary evil due to rising costs.