Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) officials are evaluating future projections for their electric, water, and telecom systems, with the possibility of rate adjustments in the future.
OMU’s public relations and communications manager, Sonya Dixon, emphasized that rate changes are not imminent and that ongoing assessments are crucial to prepare for potential financial needs.
“We’re not looking at immediate action,” Dixon said. “This is simply information to help inform as we go forward, especially with our power supply agreements and market shifts.”
OMU conducts regular financial reviews to monitor revenue needs and expenses, particularly in light of its existing power supply agreement with Big Rivers, which is set to end on December 31, 2026.
“We refreshed our projections, and it’s showing that we may need to act sooner than expected,” Dixon said, referencing potential adjustments around 2026 and 2027.
Dixon said they’re also closely monitoring water system regulations, particularly regarding PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination, a fairly recent push from the EPA.
“PFAs regulations could significantly impact our water services,” Dixon said. “We’re preparing for any changes, but it’s still too early to predict outcomes as litigation continues.”
OMU officials said new requirements could increase water utility rates because specialized treatment systems would need to be installed and maintained. They also discussed the extensive testing process.
In the telecom sector, OMU is increasing internet speeds for its customers as part of Phase 1 of its broadband build-out.
Effective Oct. 18, OMU is raising speeds from 300×300 Mbps to 500×500 Mbps on its first plan and from 600×600 Mbps to 800×800 Mbps on its second plan, with no cost increase for customers.
Advanced customers’ plans will remain unchanged, but their Optical Network Terminals will be upgraded to XGS-PON versions, which Director of Telecommunications Christopher Poynter said can support future speed increases. The increased speeds come at no additional cost to customers.
“We’re close to finishing the infrastructure, and by early next year, residents will have access to our fiber network,” Dixon said. “This is part of our long-term commitment to offering reliable and affordable telecom services.”
Dixon added that OMU is now accepting orders for its broadband services, allowing residents in northeastern Owensboro to sign up as the fiber network becomes available. Customers can visit OMU’s website here to learn more about the new internet plans.
