ratepayer

noun

rate·​pay·​er ˈrāt-ˌpā-ər How to pronounce ratepayer (audio)
1
British : taxpayer
2
: one who pays for a utility service and especially electricity according to established rates

Examples of ratepayer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Public Advocates Office, the independent consumer advocate at the Public Utilities Commission, said recent amendments to the bill did not address its concerns about shifting costs from one group of ratepayers to another. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Environmental and consumer advocacy groups called the agreement a step in the right direction, but cautioned that regulators still have work to do to mitigate the risk the data center gold rush poses to residential ratepayers. — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has ordered grid operators to address whether the costs of connecting data centers and other enormous energy users are being shifted onto ordinary ratepayers. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 When utilities fail to meet their obligations, my office will use its regulatory, investigative, and lawful authorities to protect ratepayers. — Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ratepayer

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ratepayer was in 1845

Rhymes for ratepayer

See All Rhymes for ratepayer

Browse Nearby Words

rate-of-rise thermostat
ratepayer
rater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ratepayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratepayer. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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