ratepayer

[reyt-pey-er]

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

/ ˈreɪtˌpeɪə /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• ratepaying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratepayer¹

First recorded in 1835–45; rate ¹ + payer

Example Sentences

“It also puts downward pressure on rates because we are not using ratepayer dollars to build infrastructure.”

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“We have to invest more. But the money has to come from somewhere. And I guess right now we’re just saying, ‘It comes from you, local ratepayer, so you’re on your own,’” Pierce said.

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If passed, the bill would expand the state’s ability to buy and sell clean power with other Western states in a move that supporters say will improve grid reliability and save money for ratepayers.

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Opponents argue the cost to ratepayers would be excessive.

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If passed, the bill would expand partnership with other Western states to buy and sell more clean power in a move supporters say will improve grid reliability and save money for ratepayers.

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