Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 10:40
UTC rejects East Side Improvement’s request for 131% increase, authorizes a limited rate increase
Media contact: [email protected] or 360-664-1116
Docket number: UW-250104
LACEY, Wash. - On April 30, 2026, two administrative law judges (ALJs) for the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) issued an initial order rejecting a request by East Side Improvement Co. (East Side or company) to increase its water rates by 131.67%.
After reviewing the case and considering public comments, the ALJs found the requested increase unjust and unreasonable. However, the ALJs did approve a two-phase rate increase starting in May 2026. This covers increased costs since 2022 for operating expenses, required water quality tests, and other needed repairs and improvements.
Since the new rates begin mid-month, May 2026 bills will be prorated. East Side's customers currently pay a surcharge of $26.09 per month that covers a portion of the company's irrigation screen replacement project. This will expire on May 31, 2026.
| Breakdown | Current | Rate Year 1 (Temporary) | Rate Year 2+ (Permanent) |
| Rate Increase % | - | 48.4% | 26.1% |
| Annual Revenue | $47,972 | $71,188 | $60,478 |
| Costs Included | Operations and maintenance, reduced payment of legal fees, partial recovery of 2024 irrigation screen replacement, recovery of existing assets at staff's proposed level | Operations and maintenance, partial recovery of 2024 irrigation screen replacement, recovery of existing assets at commission staff's proposed level | |
| Average Monthly Bill Per Customer (Domestic and Irrigation Services) |
$90 (base rate) $116.09 (base rate plus surcharge) |
$131.82 (base rate) $157.91 (base rate plus surcharge, expires May 31, 2026) |
$112 (base rate) |
While rate year one includes a 48.4% increase to reimburse the company for one-time costs, customer rates will drop in year two. The permanent 26.1% increase supports ongoing reliable service.
The decision balances the company's need to cover its costs while also protecting customer rights to fair and affordable water rates. Parties have 21 days to petition for administrative review of the decision. Customer rates will not increase until East Side files revised tariff pages in compliance with the decision.
This is East Side's first rate case since they became regulated in 2022.
About the UTC
The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned water and natural gas companies, electric utilities, telecommunications companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.
About East Side Improvement Co.
Bellevue-based East Side provides water and irrigation service to 45 customers from four wells in Kittitas County.
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Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 16:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]