As an observation I’m seeing as this community’s population increases with an influx of Left Coasters and the political landscape changes the city council and county commissioners have weaponized the utility company*.
A few examples:
When utilities are disconnected a prorated penalty is imposed on those accounts. In order to reconnect that fee is imposed.
Water restrictions imposed, outside watering is limited to 3 days a week with few exceptions. Water fees have taken on penalties for over use. All existing wells had to be registered and posted.
Natural Gas, about a year ago I was made aware of an effort to discontinue natural gas all together and signed a petition against those efforts since the properties here have gas stoves, driers, hot water heaters and furnaces as well as the fact that natural gas is an efficient way to heat. Recently and it seems coincidentally the utility was caught short during the extreme weather that dipped down into Texas. They had to purchase gas at a much higher price and now consumers will pay 58% higher rates for the next 15 months to over come their deficiencies.
https://krdo.com/news/2021/03/17/300...new-rate-hike/
Like many things these days the powers that be just say shucks... I realize that most people just have one house and are just absorbing these costs. It becomes much more poignant for investors and property management with basic fees before actual usage fees being higher than total fees and usage at other utility accounts in other states. Add in that property taxes nearly doubled a few years ago It gives insight into how politicians feel about individual property owners being just another revenue source. At the same time they have committed to development for another 250,000 people in the next several years.
* Utility company here is owned by the city.
Edit: All meters are Landis Gyr smart meters at all location I deal with, the big differences are who or what ( cooperative vs private or municipal run) managed the utility.