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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • ratepaying adjective

Etymology

Origin of ratepayer

First recorded in 1835–45; rate 1 + payer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Protecting ratepayers from AI-driven power costs, however, is far more complicated in practice, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which works with state officials to implement low-income heating assistance.

From MarketWatch

Protecting ratepayers from AI-driven power costs, however, is far more complicated in practice, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, which works with state officials to implement low-income heating assistance.

From MarketWatch

A separate analysis from the consulting firm Grid Strategies found that forcing the continued operation of coal plants slated to retire could cost ratepayers more than $3 billion per year.

From Los Angeles Times

Congress can establish a single permitting process to accelerate AI data-center construction and grid interconnection on terms that protect local ratepayers and their communities.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the state notes, “all of these costs . . . will find their way into ratepayers’ electric bills.”

From The Wall Street Journal