Utility Costs

Electric

• The City of Hamilton Electric System prides itself on it reliability, prompt service, flexibility and low cost.
• The City’s primary, low-cost competitor in the Southwest Ohio area is Duke Energy. Duke is also one of the lowest cost, investor-owned utilities in the State of Ohio.
• The City’s current electric rates are approximately 15%-18% less than Duke Energy, for comparative electric customers.
• The City’s electric system was rated in the Top 5% nationally for the most reliable public power systems, by the American Public Power Association.
• With the City investment in hydroelectric power on the Ohio River (Meldahl and Greenup) and the newest in coal technology power generation (Prairie State), the City’s electric rates are expected to remain stable for many years to come.

Natural Gas

• The City of Hamilton, Department of Gas & Water, distributes natural gas throughout the City of Hamilton. 
• The City’s primary, low-cost competitor in Southwest Ohio is Duke Energy.
• The City’s current natural gas rates are approximately 15%-20% less than Duke Energy, for comparative natural gas customers.
• The City of Hamilton is also the lowest cost, natural gas provider in the State of Ohio, and has been so over the last several years.

Water

• The City of Hamilton, Department of Gas & Water, operates two water treatment plants in the City of Hamilton and distributes water to customers inside and outside of the City.
• The source of the City’s water supply is the Great Miami Aquifer, one of the best and most plentiful sources of water in the U.S.
• In 2009, the City’s water received the Gold Medal at the 2009 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition, rated as “The Best Tasting Tap Water in the Nation” in blind taste testing. Hamilton water was also rated “Second Best Tasting Water in the World” at this competition, which is the oldest and most prestigious water tasting international competition.
• Hamilton’s water rates are competitive with other providers in Southwest Ohio, ranking eleventh lowest rates out of sixty-eight jurisdictions.
• Hamilton’s rates are approximately $62.40, based upon consumption of 3,000 cubic feet over a three-month period.

Waste Water/Water Reclamation

• The City of Hamilton Water Reclamation Division is administered through the City’s Public Works Department.
• The City’s Water Reclamation Plant was designed to handle a variety of industrial flows, due to the City tradition of manufacturing. 
• Hamilton’s water reclamation rates are competitive with other providers in Southwest Ohio, ranking twenty-third lowest rates out of sixty-three jurisdictions.