Glendale water-rate plan remains pending before Nov. 3 hearing

Glendale Water & Power’s proposed five-year water-rate changes remain unapproved, with the City Council scheduled to consider them at a public hearing on Nov. 3, 2026. The City’s Oct. 16 update showed that no rate change had been adopted. If approved, the first adjustments would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, followed by annual adjustments through 2031.

The proposal could change water bills for Glendale Water & Power customers. The City says the impact on an account depends on its rate schedule and other account factors. Customers can use the City’s proposed-rate materials and bill estimator to review calculations for their accounts.

Two usage tiers and charges for seven pump zones

Glendale describes current water rates as including a fixed monthly meter charge and a separate charge based on water use. Some customer classes now have three usage tiers. Under the proposal, all customer classes would have two tiers, changing the structure for classes that currently have three.

The proposed rate structure also distinguishes costs associated with two water sources and adds charges reflecting the cost of pumping water to customers across seven elevation zones. The City says the proposal follows a cost-of-service analysis and is intended to reflect water-system, water-source and pumping costs.

The proposed changes cover five years, but they are not yet in effect. The City’s published materials direct customers to an estimator because the effect depends on the applicable rate schedule and account details, rather than being the same for every customer.

Hearing and formal protests

On Sept. 1, the council approved a Proposition 218 notice to begin the notification and public-hearing process. The City’s Sept. 3 notice said that action started the process; it did not approve the proposed rates. The scheduled hearing is at 6 p.m. in the Glendale City Council Chambers, 613 E. Broadway.

Customers who want to submit a formal Proposition 218 protest must put it in writing, and the City must receive it before the hearing closes. The City says spoken or electronic protests do not count as formal protests. The Nov. 3 hearing is the next council consideration identified for the proposed rates.