I recently purchased a home in Salt Lake City. I just got my first bill from Salt Lake City Public Utilities. The rate I was charged on the sewer portion of the bill was $46.50/unit. I used one unit. In my previous home in Salt Lake City, I was charged $8.50/unit for the sewer.
When I asked about this large discrepancy I was told it was because I had no history of water usage at the new property (even though the home is 101 years old) and I would be charged the $46.50 “base rate” until I had a history.
Establishing a history requires going through one full winter. If, for example, I use about the same amount of water in this smaller home than I did in my previous home, which seems likely, my rate next year will be $38/unit less than I will pay this year. That means I will be paying $456 (38x12) more this next year than I will pay in the following years for the exact same usage.
When I asked if this overcharge will be refunded to me after I establish a usage history, I was told no.
To charge so much more in the first year than in subsequent years for the exact same usage seems like theft.
Lawrence Dunn, Salt Lake City