It will cost a few dollars more for electricity in the City of Redding following last Tuesday night’s vote of the City Council. Barry Tippin, the Redding Electric Utility director and assistant city manager, cited the increasing cost of hydro and gas and told the council the 1.5 percent increase is necessary to keep up with inflation. The rate hike will take effect in March.
Councilman Gary Cadd, the lone dissenting vote, suggested that because Social Security recipients and military personnel did not receive increases this year, neither should REU. But Councilwoman Francie Sullivan noted that compared to PG&E, REU rates are still affordable.
The council also moved to negotiate a deal with Dignity Health. The health organization would buy city land north of Henderson Open Space, and build a wellness center there.