Second phase of Jackson electric rate increase to start

Jackson residents and businesses will soon see their monthly base electric fee increase for the second time since June, the result of the second phase of Jackson's electric fee adjustment schedule.

The board of aldermen Monday night voted to increase the rates from $3.50 to $5 for most residents.

Churches, schools and general commercial businesses will see their base rates increase from $6 and $9 per month to $9 and $12, respectively, depending on their level of service.

City administrator Jim Roach said the decision was based on a study performed earlier this year and that the city decided to spread the increases over two phases instead of all at once.

He said this is the second and last phase.

City officials say the increase is necessary to account for a $700,000 increase in energy costs for the next fiscal year.

The city also increased its temporary electric meter fee from $150 to $200.

A temporary electric meter is used by builders to provide power to a lot during construction, director of electric utilities Don Schuette said. He said the city was providing the meter as a service to customers, but is increasing the fee by $50 to cover the costs of the meter and for the labor to install it.