ratepayer
Americannoun
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a person who pays a regular charge for the use of a public utility, as gas or electricity, usually based on the quantity consumed.
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British. a person who pays rates; a taxpayer of the local government.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ratepayer
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.
Analysts have stressed that the pledge needs to be turned into enforceable ratepayer protections through work with utility commissions, state legislatures and state governors.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 21, 2026
The White House did not respond to MarketWatch’s request for additional details about the ratepayer protection pledge.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026
“It also puts downward pressure on rates because we are not using ratepayer dollars to build infrastructure.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025
Each year, the utility pays the Fire Department about $2.5 million — drawn from ratepayer revenue — to carry out the inspections and report the findings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2025
"It don't take much incentive to be sufficient for a vagabone without a shirt to his back" replied the ratepayer, suddenly boiling-over.
From Such Is Life by Joseph Furphy
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
