The Redding City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to continue a public hearing on proposed Redding Electric Utility rate increases to March 17, after staff said turnout at recent workshops was low and more outreach was needed.
REU Director Nick Settle told the council staff plans additional workshops around the city, more public communication and online materials including rate calculators, budget documents and other background information, according to the March 3 council meeting transcript.
The hearing remains centered on a proposed utility-rate increase that staff has already trimmed from an earlier plan. Council discussion touched on affordability, personnel costs, wildfire mitigation and bond-rating concerns, but the record does not yet show whether the proposal will change again before the next hearing.
The council’s delay keeps the issue alive for city households ahead of any final vote. Staff said the outreach push is intended to build a fuller public record before the council decides whether to approve the rate package.
It is not make clear how the additional outreach could affect the utility’s proposed April 1 billing timeline if the council ultimately approves the rates.