To ensure the continued delivery of reliable electric and water services to the Burbank community by investing in infrastructure and promoting long-term sustainability, beginning January 1, 2026, BWP is proposing an electric system average rate increase of 10.5% and a water system average rate increase of 14%. An identical increase is proposed for the following year to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The proposed increase in rates reflects the rising costs of providing water and electric services and the need to create lasting transformations to make our infrastructure more reliable and sustainable moving forward.

We’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact on our community. That includes delaying the proposed rate increase until January when water and energy usage is low, supporting our residents and businesses with efficiency and conservation programs, and offering financial assistance to those in need.

The chart below shows the impact that the proposed January 1, 2026, rate increases would have on the average Burbank household.

For a complete list including multi-family residential and commercial water rates and charges, recycled water charges, and sewer and refuse charges, please read more here.

• The cost of materials and goods continues to rise. This impacts everything BWP needs to provide reliability water and power services. Imported water—our sole supply—has become more expensive, and so have the transformers needed to safely power Burbank’s homes, businesses, and schools. <DATA POINT>
• Our aging water infrastructure needs to be repaired. BWP maintains 276 miles of pipeline within our City, in addition to other critical components of our water delivery system. 30 miles of these pipes are 100-year-old cast iron pipes that will impact our reliability as they continue to deteriorate. To prevent potential breaks and water service interruptions, we need to replace them as quickly as possible. As an example of this aging infrastructure, we’ve experienced five main breaks in the first two months of 2025 alone and are operating a water reservoir built in 1932 at half capacity due to leaks and structural defects.
• Adapting to an increasingly electrified Burbank. This means investing in our electric distribution system to meet growing demand. As more residents adopt electric vehicles and transition to electric appliances, our infrastructure must keep pace. BWP is actively upgrading substations and transitioning power lines from 4kV to 12kV to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electricity delivery. These necessary improvements come at a cost, but they are essential to supporting a sustainable and resilient energy future for our community.
• Securing long-term renewable energy contracts to meet regulatory requirements. The State of California requires that all service providers achieve greenhouse gas–free electric generation by 2045. To make it even more difficult, utilities across the country are racing to secure the same limited resources to meet their renewable energy goals. This change will take time, effort, and a lot of planning if we are to continue providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable services. We are 100% committed to meeting this goal – an investment that is costly, but well worth the benefits to our community if we are to continue providing reliable services.

BWP wants to hear from the community about the proposed rate increases. Everyone is welcome to join in the conversation at upcoming community meetings hosted by BWP and can provide public comment at the upcoming City Council public hearing on the proposed rate increases (see below section on participating in public hearing on May 20, 2025).

You can read about complex issues such as transitioning Burbank to 100% renewable energy and the challenges of sourcing and delivering water to our community by reading BWP’s “Ask an Expert” article series. You can find every article here.

BWP takes changes to our rates very seriously, and we want to help.

As Burbank’s community-owned utility, our customers are our first priority. BWP offers a suite of money-saving programs and resources to help all customers, regardless of income level. Visit our Rebates and Incentives webpage to discover ways you can save.

The City of Burbank and Burbank Water and Power want to hear from the community about the proposed rate increases. Everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation at BWP Board Meetings or through the Sustainable Burbank Commission and City Council.

The Burbank City Council will consider these proposed changes at a public hearing on May 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. If you’d like to participate in this meeting and comment on the proposed rate increases, please follow the instructions below.