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.
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 Utility regulators initially opposed the sale, but later approved it after finding the transaction was in the interest of ratepayers. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 New York can protect ratepayers and communities while continuing to build. — Frances Townsend, New York Daily News, 20 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
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Cite this Entry

“Ratepayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratepayer. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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