CFU Board Approves 2026 Utility Rates
The Cedar Falls Utilities Board of Trustees recently approved utility rates for 2026. Customers will see adjustments to electric, natural gas, water and TV rates. Prices for the most popular residential internet plans will decrease, and phone service plans will stay the same.
Our Board’s responsibility is to make sure CFU provides excellent value while delivering reliable, safe and efficient services.
Utilities nationwide are facing rapidly rising costs, driven by increases in equipment and material prices, tariffs and other regulatory expenses.
As a community-owned utility, CFU remains focused on controlling costs and making wise investments. In 2026, base rate increases for electric, gas and water will total around $7 per month for an average residential customer.
We carefully compare utility rates in Cedar Falls with those in 20 peer communities in Iowa. Over the past year, a typical Cedar Falls household saved $992 on the combined price of electric, gas, water, TV and internet services, compared with the average cost in peer communities.
That adds up to $12.7 million in annual savings for our community. We expect our utility rates to remain very competitive after 2026 rate adjustments are applied.
2026 changes include:
Electric Base Rate
The Electric Utility will implement a base rate adjustment next year. Overall, base rates will increase 5.1%. An average residential customer will see an increase of $3.54 per month. The adjustment will keep pace with a rise in material and equipment costs.
CFU is preparing to build the Viking Energy Center, a new, highly efficient local generating facility. Due to careful financial planning, we are in a strong position to build the next generation of energy in Cedar Falls without significant rate impacts. The Viking Energy Center will enable CFU to continue delivering reliable, affordable energy for years to come. You can learn more about the project at cfu.net/generation.
Natural Gas Base Rate
Natural gas base rates will increase in 2026. An average residential gas customer will pay $1.46 more per month. Overall, base rates will increase 5%.
This base rate adjustment is necessary due to increased operating costs and planned system improvements such as the installation of new gas mains.
Utility bills also have commodity charges, the Net Energy Cost Adjustment and the Purchased Gas Adjustment, which are not impacted by base rate changes. These charges are driven by market prices and are a pass-through to customers.
For more information about how to conserve energy and reduce your utility bill, visit cfu.net/energy-tips.
Water
The Water Utility will also adjust rates for most customers next year. An average residential customer will see an increase of $2.27 per month.
Overall, the base rate increase averages 7.2%. The rate increase will help fund water main replacements in conjunction with significant city street reconstruction projects.
Internet & TV
We are pleased to share that the price of most residential internet plans will go down in 2026.
If you are a CFU TV subscriber, you were previously notified that CFU TV service will end in October 2026. Customers that keep TV service will see a $17 rate increase.
Our Board and the CFU staff thank you for choosing CFU services and for your continued support of Cedar Falls Utilities.
Rate changes take effect in January. For a schedule of all 2026 rates and fees, please call CFU at 319-268-5280 or visit
cfu.net/terms.
Reminder: Watch TV Everywhere (WTVE) and Video on Demand (VOD) services will end January 1 for customers who choose to keep CFU TV. Learn more at cfu.net/tv.