There's been a lot of attention on the rate increase for Birmingham Water Works customers but other utilities are having their own rate increases. Those for the most part have been under the radar with no public hearings.

The latest we've learned is Spire. The gas company is still working with the Alabama Public Service Commission on what the 2023 rate will be. But Wednesday, Spire filed for what is called a Gas Supply Adjustment (GSA) rate increase of 5%.

A spokesperson said "this increase is tied directly to the wholesale cost of the commodity and Spire does not profit from this cost."

These prices can fluctuate during the year. The 5% hike will cost the average customer under $4 a month. The increase started Thursday.

Earlier, Alabama Power announced a rate hike of $10 a month. That comes on top of an increase of $6 a month announced earlier this year. Alabama Power says those are tied to increased fuel costs.

Wednesday, the Birmingham Water Works Board approved a 3.9% rate hike. BWW says this will increase the average bill by $1.55 a month. The utility said there was no rate hike last year and needed an increase to cover higher costs. The vote came after a public hearing and much media coverage.

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The water works board has been under heavy criticism for billing errors the past year. It blames the pandemic and staffing shortages. Management said the billing issues have been corrected and refunds started this week.

Jefferson County has raised sewer rates by 3.5% for the coming year. The same rate increase will happen every year for the next thirty years as part of the county's bankruptcy exit agreement.

The Urban League announced it has an additional $20 million dollars to help customers pay bills. But leaders admit that is "just a band aid" and at some point the money will run out. Couple utility costs with rising rent costs and consumers are struggling to make ends meet.