Fremont · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fremont, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Utility rate increases for 2026-2027
Electric rates rise 9.5% per year, sewer 8% per year, and water 6.5% per year for two years; gas stays flat. Council members stressed the increases follow independent rate studies and advance planning, not last-minute decisions.
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) purchase
The council approved buying electric meters to finish the smart-meter rollout, which lets the utility read meters remotely and track outages in real time. Officials addressed privacy concerns, saying the meters collect only consumption data.
2026-2027 Utility Rate Ordinances
The council finalized electric, gas, sewer and water rates for the next two years. Council members acknowledged the increases are hard on residents but said decades of underinvestment nationwide make them necessary to keep infrastructure reliable.
LS Power electric franchise
Fremont's aging power units — the oldest from 1956 — need backup as the city grows. The council bought land near Substation D for a future generating station, and will pick between reciprocating engines or aeroderivative turbines via an RFP.
Lead water service line replacement
The city is committing to replace 600-800 lead and unknown water service lines at full public cost, backed by an $8 million state grant. Homeowners won't pay, but pipes inside homes remain the owner's responsibility.