ratepayer

American  

[rayt-pay-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; a taxpayer of the local government.

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ratepayer British  

/ ˈreɪtˌpeɪə /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• ratepaying
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of ratepayer

First recorded in 1835–45; rate ¹ + payer

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ratepayer

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

As well as the ratepayer relief, the companies’ proposal includes $100 million toward directly supporting workforce development in the state, and establishes up to $1 billion in local supplier spending over five years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

The White House did not respond to MarketWatch’s request for additional details about the ratepayer protection pledge.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 25, 2026

“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.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2025

"What induced the old image to play such a silly trick upon a family man and a ratepayer?"

From Told After Supper by Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome

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