The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors have approved a rate increase for electric customers.

Calling it " a power rate update designed to enhance service reliability and support long-overdue infrastructure improvements" the board approved the rate hike that will mean a nearly $30.00 per month increase for residential users and over $579.00 per month for large general service users. According to the IID, this is the first rate adjustment since 2015 and is in response to rising costs associated with maintaining and modernizing the district's electric system. The increase will help address increasing expenses related to infrastructure upgrades, fuel and power procurement, material and labor costs, and compliance with California's renewable energy mandates. 

IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader said, "Today's decision is a critical step in securing a stronger and more resilient future for IID and the communities we serve. This rate update enables us to make much-needed investments in our infrastructure to continue delivering reliable and affordable power while meeting evolving state and federal requirements". 

The Board also approved a resolution that will allocate $10 million from IID's Public Benefits Fund to provide ratepayer assistance and energy efficiency funding to lower customer bills.