Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

The City Council’s Energy and Technology Committee (ETC) will meet on Wednesday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss Seattle City Light’s proposed budget, rate adjustment process, and revenue requirements. The meeting will be the first of three final meetings on the rate process and its components. Jorge Carrasco, City Light Superintendent, will brief the Committee, along with other City Light officers and Council’s central staff. In addition the ETC will hold special meetings Wednesday, November 4th at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. I am encouraging the public attend the meetings and voice their opinion.

Last month, Mayor Nickels proposed a budget that reflects an 8.8 percent rate increase to fill a $70 million budget gap caused by less than projected wholesale revenue. The shortfall is largely influenced by a major decrease in the price of natural gas, which is a key element that drives electricity prices.

I want to do everything possible to reduce the financial strain on residents and local businesses. Many are struggling to make ends meet, particularly during this recessionary period.

The Council’s job is to protect the ratepayers and the citizens from high and unreasonable rates; to ensure that our power system is safe and reliable; and to make sure our operations are environmentally sustainable. These values are not exclusive and do not mean that excelling in all three areas automatically equates to increased rates. Moreover, I will insist that all of the information the Utility relies upon to justify their numbers are open and transparent.

The ETC meetings will be held in City Council Chambers located at City Hall at 600 4th Avenue.

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