Sioux Center approves 7% municipal electric rate increases for 2026 and 2027

The Sioux Center City Council on July 7 approved the third and final reading of ORDINANCE NO. SC-O-05-26, authorizing a 7% increase in electric rates for both 2026 and 2027. Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein and Finance Director Darryl Ten Pas told the council the adjustments are intended to reflect rising wholesale electricity, generation and system maintenance costs.

The vote followed a staff presentation and was brought forward by Councilmember Randy Vreugdenhil, with Councilmember Cory Gotto offering support. Upon roll call, councilmembers Gotto, Hulshof, Moerman, Vermeer and Vreugdenhil voted Aye; there were no Nays.

City officials said the rate change is designed to align the municipal utility’s charges with current cost pressures for purchased power and system upkeep. The ordinance repeals ORDINANCE NO. SC-O-01-24 and establishes the updated rate schedules under the city’s municipal electric utility code.

The council did not specify an effective date in the meeting record. Implementation timing, billing adjustments and customer notice were not detailed in the transcript and will be determined by staff as the ordinance is implemented.