CHARLESTON, W.Va. — About a half-million West Virginia American Water Company customers soon will be paying more for their water and sewer services.
About 15 minutes before Wednesday’s midnight deadline, the state Public Service Commission approved a 15.1 percent hike in water rates and 19.8 percent for sewer rates.
WVAWC originally requested increases of 28 percent for water and 22 percent for sewer.
“The 28 percent was an outrageous request to begin with,” said Kanawha County Commissioner Dave Hardy, who testified before the PSC against the hikes. “(The commission) testified what a hardship that causes on a budget to have a 28-percent increase on a necessity like water.”
The increases for the average water customer amount to more than $6 a month. For WVAWC, the water increase expected to generate an additional $18 million.
“Evidence in the case indicated that the company had actually reduced its operation and maintenance expenses from its last rate case,” a PSC release said. “The adjustment to base rates was driven primarily by the increased investment WVAWC has made in utility plant necessary to provide utility service to its customers.”
Though happy the 28-percent ask was rejected, Hardy preferred an increase more in line with the cost of living.
“What’s fair is, everybody recognizes that costs go up. And they go up very slowly and incrementally,” he said. “But to come in and try to do a 15.1 percent when the cost of living has going up on average 2 or 3 percent, doesn’t seem fair to me at all.”
Hardy also pointed out that the average resident in the Mountain State isn’t seeing a monthly raise in their salary.
“The average West Virginian is not seeing anything close to double percent increase in their monthly income,” he said. “If the water company has put itself in a situation where it must pass these types of increases, then obviously (they) have not done a good job managing (their) budget.”
The water utility has maintained the steep increase is needed to repair infrastructure and provide effective service.
WVAWC spokesperson Laura Jordan said late Wednesday night the company would review the PSC’s decision and comment Thursday.