Cost of utilities in Maryville could increase under new proposal

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — City of Maryville residents may soon incur higher costs for utility services.

If approved by the Maryville City Council and Tennessee Valley Authority, Maryville residents could see higher prices for electricity, water, and sewage services in 2025.

A plan presented to city council members called for a $3 addition to the base customer charge for electricity.

A $4 increase would be applied to the base sewage fee as well as a 25 cent rate increase per 1,000 gallons above their initial allotment in the first year. Customers would also see a $3 base sewage fee increase and another 25 cent rate increase in the second year.

Water rates would not change under the proposal, but the number of gallons included in the customer charge would decrease by 500 gallons per year over the next three years.

The city council would have to approve the new rates each year separately prior to implementation.

“Maryville has some of the lowest rates in the region when compared to similar sized providers, and is one of the most efficient related to administrative costs,” Maryville Utilities Director Jessica Cooper told 6 News. “But the city will need to continue to make adjustments in order to maintain stable and dependable revenues for the long-term health of the systems.”

Cooper said that TVA’s recent decision to increase energy rates was taken into consideration in the proposal as well as other funding needs and requirements.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.