The Crawfordsville City Council on Monday held a first reading to an ordinance adopting a new schedule of rates and charges for Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power, moving forward a proposal that would increase electric rates beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
The proposed rate adjustments stem from a rate study completed by NewGen Strategies and Solutions, which recommended phased increases of about 3.5% annually from 2027 through 2030, or about 13% over four years. Utility officials said the increases are needed to address rising operating costs, capital improvement projects and future debt obligations, including a new substation and transmission upgrades.
If adopted following the required additional readings, the first increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The average residential electric bill would increase by about $4 per month in the first year, from approximately $112.96 to $116.92.
In other business, the council held a public hearing before approving an additional appropriation of $79,913 for the Crawfordsville Street Department to make a lease payment on a trash truck.
Council members approved resolutions finding Solar Array LLC, American Innovation, Pace Dairy, BD Fortunes, IRA Whiskey and Spartech in substantial compliance for tax abatement purposes.
The council also adopted the 2025 S-30 supplement to the City of Crawfordsville Code of Ordinances, incorporating ordinances approved during 2025 into the city’s official code.
