KENNEWICK, Wash. – Benton PUD customers might see a higher energy bill soon.

Benton PUD is proposing a 2.5 percent rate increase starting April 1, 2026. This comes after the Bonneville Power Administration ( BPA ) raised its wholesale rates by 8.9 percent and transmission costs by 19.9 percent. BPA's power supply costs make up more than half of Benton PUD's entire budget.

The proposed increase would raise the average household bill from about $121 a month to $124 a month . While this seems marginal, some customers express concerns about keeping up with the costs.

“I've seen a lot of increases, especially at the grocery store. My rent, my car and and I'm still trying to adjust. Everything has been going up except for my salary,” A PUD Customer said at the rate increase public hea

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