Fresno, California, utility customers could see their water and sewage bills rise in 2027, but a wave of protest cards might be enough to stop it.

Approximately 180,000 of those cards will give residents a way to reject the proposed increases.

Here's what to know

The proposal calls for rates to rise in stages through 2031. Miguel Arias and Brandon Vang cast the dissenting votes as the Fresno City Council approved starting the rate-setting process 5-2, according to Fresnoland.

By 2031, the proposed increases would have customers paying $12.83 more for water services and $5.55 more for sewage. The city estimated the first rate adjustment would raise monthly bills by $1.77 in 2027.

Customers can formally oppose the proposal through the 45-day process required by California's Proposition 218. That process will end at a special council meeting Dec. 29, Fresnoland reported.

For Southern California households seeking lower electricity costs, rooftop solar offers another potential savings route. Palmetto has a $0 down offer with an average 40% reduction in electric bills, though individual results vary.

More background

With several local tax measures on the ballot, the council had delayed its decision to get a clearer picture of future finances. Funding for Fresno and other projects could be affected by the results.

Measure S, which would replace a countywide transportation measure nearing expiration, appeared unlikely to win approval, though results were not official. Measure A also appeared headed for defeat, per Fresnoland. That measure would charge visitors booking short-term rentals or hotel rooms in the county's unincorporated areas.

Measure D seemed headed for passage. City leaders added the general tax as a fallback in case Measure S failed.

What can be done?

Ratepayers can block the increases if over half submit protest cards. Fresno planned to mail those cards to utility customers in the next few days, Fresnoland noted Thursday.

The city also will hold community meetings to walk residents through the process.

Councilmembers decided to hold the hearing Dec. 29 rather than move it to Jan. 7 to avoid a $300,000 cost for printing materials again. 

For eligible Southern California households, Palmetto's offer could lead to average savings of 40% on electric bills. Depending on a household's energy use, that reduction could add up to thousands of dollars in savings each year.

Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White warned of the financial risks of further delays.

"If we continue to drag it on…I wouldn't term it as an emergency, but I would term it as very concerning and exposing the city to unnecessary risk," she said.

Where can I learn more?

Other California communities are also grappling with utility costs and billing disputes.

• In Bakersfield, Kern County posted an "under protest" letter amid a sewer rate fight.

• In Fresno, an official linked water and sewer resets to the Southeast Development Area.

• California launched its first utility rate oversight overhaul in 19 years, seeking fairer bills.

• Lompoc residents say wastewater bills jumped sixfold after officials scrapped a usage cap.

• In Fowler, officials found 900 faulty water meters after a $40 bill reached $3,700.

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