Kent County water board testifies for 28.5% rate hike
12:24 PM Wed, Sep 24, 2008 | Permalink
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WARWICK -- Local politicians and residents from across Kent County heard testimony today from Timothy Brown, general manager of the Kent County Water Authority, about a proposed rate hike. The Water Authority had initially proposed raising rates by 35 percent. Last week, however, it filed an amended proposal to raise rates by 28.5 percent. That would translate to a $31.85 quarterly increase for the average customer. The Water Authority -- which serves 26,360 customers, in West Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich and parts of Cranston, Warwick, Scituate and North Kingstown -- has said the increases will recoup profits lost because of customers who have left. The additional money will also cover operating costs; equipment maintenance; to repay bonds and to cover for higher utility and gas costs. Some attendees did not think a one-time rate increase is in order. "Why can't the increase be spread out over a number of years?" state Sen. Leo Raptakis asked during the public comment section of the hearing. "We believe we do need the improvements, but we have to be realistic," Raptakis said. Along with Raptakis, Rep. Patricia Serpa and Councilman Raymond E. Gallucci were on hand at the hearing, which could be continued as late as Friday depending on the amount of testimony. The final decision must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson, with reports from Journal staff writer Talia Buford 
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Dear PUC,
JUST SAY NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Don't count on the PUC to do anything. They have failed us over and over. I don't even know why we have a PUC. They should be disbanded or everyone should be fired and replaced with people who have brains.
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Don't count on the PUC to do anything. They have failed us over and over. I don't even know why we have a PUC. They should be disbanded or everyone should be fired and replaced with people who have brains.
Report Abuse