Residents living in Grunthal and Kleefeld could be paying more for utilities beginning next year.

Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says it was time to review the rates in these two communities and the municipality has now sent its request to the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

Based on an average of 3,000 gallons of water used, the quarterly bill for residents of Grunthal in 2019 is $34.34. If approved, it will jump to $36.94 in 2020, up to $39.54 in 2021 and then $42.11 in 2022.

In Kleefeld, on an average of 3,000 gallons of water used, the quarterly bill for residents in 2019 is $42,21. If approved, it will move to $44.84 in 2020, up to $47.47 in 2021 and then $50.05 in 2022.

The RM of Hanover has done a comparison with other communities in Manitoba where rates have been set by the PUB in recent years. Based on the current request, Grunthal's 2022 rate will be the lowest approved by the PUB in recent years and Kleefeld's will be the 2nd lowest. The next closest is the Town of Minnedosa at $58.12 and the highest is Oak River at $137.44.

Toews says the rate increase is necessary.

"Our expenses do go up from time to time and if we look back in history, way back, Hanover often neglected these rates and then you had huge increases coming forward," recalls Toews. "And so we do these studies more often, and then you keep them closer in line so you have small incremental increases."

Toews says this is a fee for service and Hanover only charges what it actually costs the municipality.