Changes made to Seneca utility bills

Customers of Seneca Light and Water are being alerted to changes in their utility bills, including notice that sewer charges are headed upward.  “In the past, charges for sewer services have been shown as one amount which included (1) services provided to you by the City of Seneca’s wastewater collection system; and (2) services provided to you by the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority (OJRSA), according to the communication sent by the city.  For electric power users, the following explanation is made for a new Electric Restricted Fund Charge: “The City of Seneca purchases wholesale electric power in order to provide electricity to its customers.  Electric wholesale supplier rates are increasing by 10 to 20%.  As our existing contracts with these suppliers expire, the City of Seneca finds it necessary to prepare for these increases, which mean you as our customer will see an increase through the new Electric Restricted Fund Charge on your utility bill.”  The city projects only “a slight increase” in retail electric bills.