St. Lucie West Services District’s 9% Utility Rate Increase.
Published on January 24, 2025
Port St. Lucie, FL – Jan. 24, 2025 -- St. Lucie West residents served by the St. Lucie West Services District have raised concerns about a recent 9% utility rate increase. According to the district, the increase was necessary to address inflationary costs and fund critical infrastructure upgrades. The rate hike includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and a 6.5% increase for water treatment plant improvements.
On Nov. 4, 2024, the SLWSD Board of Supervisors approved the rate adjustment during a public meeting. The increase took effect Dec. 1 and is now reflected in residents' utility bills. While SLWSD acknowledges the economic challenges faced by its customers, the decision to raise rates was not made lightly. The adjustment was deemed necessary to address rising operational costs and growing infrastructure demands driven by the area’s rapid population growth and increased utility usage.
Rising costs for energy, materials and labor have placed a significant impact on SLWSD’s budget, making the rate increase an essential step to maintain and improve critical infrastructure. These investments are vital to ensuring reliability and efficiency as our District continues to grow.
"One of the primary reasons for the rate increase is the rising cost of maintaining and improving the district's infrastructure," SLWSD District Manager Joshua Miller said. "Like many municipalities, St. Lucie West faces increasing expenses in energy, materials and labor. These factors have impacted the district's budget, necessitating adjustments to ensure continued reliability and efficiency of services to our residents, which is always our number one priority."
This proactive approach is part of a broader SLWSD strategy to ensure financial sustainability. By generating additional revenue, the district is better equipped to handle future challenges, including continued population growth and potential economic fluctuations, while maintaining high-quality services for residents.
Other municipalities in Florida are also facing similar challenges. Many have implemented or are considering rate increases due to the state’s growing population. For example, Florida Power & Light announced on Dec. 30, 2024, plans to pursue an annual 2.5% rate increase from 2025 through 2029, as stated on its website.
SLWSD holds monthly public meetings at its main administration building located at 450 SW Utility Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL. All district residents are encouraged to participate and express their concerns.
Established in 1990, the St. Lucie West Services District (SLWSD) serves the 4,600-acre St. Lucie West community, providing essential utility services such as potable water, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and reclaimed water irrigation. The district prioritizes public health, safety, and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. For more information, including regarding monthly public meetings, visit www.slwsd.org.
For questions regarding this press release contact SLWSD’s Public Information Officer, at abomjardim@slwsd.org.