ratepayer

American  

[reyt-pey-er] / ˈreɪtˌpeɪ ər /

noun

1. a person who pays a regular charge for the use of a public utility, as gas or electricity, usually based on the quantity consumed.

2. British.  a person who pays rates; rate; a taxpayer of the local government.

---

ratepayer British  

/ ˈreɪtˌpeɪə /

noun

1. a person who pays local rates, esp a householder

---

Other Word Forms

• ratepaying adjective

Etymology

Origin of ratepayer

First recorded in 1835–45; rate ¹ + payer

Example Sentences

Herman pushed back on that estimate, saying it relies on “flawed assumptions,” incorporating fees that apply to only a portion of ratepayers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related could tap them without putting pressure on local ratepayers.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Theo Caretta, an attorney with the nonprofit Communities for a Better Environment, said the $800-million price tag is several years outdated and likely an underestimation of what the project will cost ratepayers.

From Los Angeles Times

Management said Brookfield’s proposal will ensure that ratepayers don’t incur any more costs.

From Barron's

At the same time, many natural gas storage facilities across the country are old and require retrofitting to meet current regulations, but such upgrades can be slow and expensive — often leaving ratepayers on the hook.

From Los Angeles Times