Electric Rates
Huntsville Utilities is a distributor of electric power purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Electric customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the customer class (residential, commercial, industrial etc.) and a variable usage charge based on meter readings collected each month. The electric rates change periodically based on fuel costs associated with TVA’s cost of operating the generation plants on the system. All of the electric rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Electric Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Water Rates
Huntsville Utilities tests, treats and distributes water from underground aquifers and from the Tennessee River. This water is purified in accordance with rules and regulations of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water rates are driven by the costs associated with testing, analysis, purification and distribution. Water customers are billed a fixed availability charge that corresponds to the size of the water meter and variable usage charges based on meter readings collected each month. All of the water rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Gas/Water Board before going to the Huntsville City Council for final approval.
Gas Rates
Huntsville Utilities purchases gas from a number of suppliers, with supply produced onshore and offshore. Two major pipelines transport natural gas for distribution to Huntsville Utilities. Natural gas is a commodity, and as such, the rates fluctuate according to market variables. Gas customers are billed consumption charges based on monthly meter readings in addition to a fixed availability charge. All of the gas rates used in billing Huntsville Utilities’ customers have been reviewed and approved by the Gas/Water Board. Huntsville City ordinances do not require gas rates to go to City Council for approval.
Huntsville Utilities works with most of the Madison County Water Systems, the City and County Sanitation Departments and the City Water Pollution Control Department to provide our customers with a single bill each month. We provide shared billing services in order to save on postage, paper, payroll, benefits, computers, vehicles and insurance while giving you the convenience of one stop service and a single monthly bill.
