Regina forecasts 10 per cent utility rate increase for 2027

Regina’s administration is forecasting a 10 per cent increase in utility rates next year.

The final pre-budget information meeting by Regina city council on Tuesday will put a spotlight on the utility operating and capital forecast.

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Administration stressed that the report is not an actual request for funding or a rate increase at this time.

“This report and its appendices represent a starting point for Administration to begin working with City Council towards a Utility Operating Budget and Utility Capital Plan that balances service quality with affordability,” the report read.

Administration is forecasting a $19.9 million increase over the 2026 budget, along with a utility rate increase of 10.02 per cent.

It says that amount is needed to maintain current services and to fund capital investments in support of those services.

According to the report, six per cent of the increase is earmarked to maintain services. A further breakdown of the operating budget shows that of that six per cent, most of it is made up of transfers to reserve funds.

The rest consists of debt payments for two projects — the Northwest Regional Lift Station and the Westerra Lift Station — as well as the third year of a five-year commitment to contribute to two reserves.

Also included in the report was the forecast for the city’s five-year utility capital plan.

It projected spending of more than $806 million, with $153 million of that in 2027.

A proposed budget is expected in November, with council deliberations scheduled for December.

Last year, Regina City Council approved a 10.9 per cent mill rate increase for the 2026 general operating budget.