Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Lisa Vernon-Sparks
Journal staff writer

WARWICK -- Beginning Nov. 1, ratepayers would see an average increase of about 22 percent in their quarterly water bills -- or $25 more -- under new rates approved by the Public Utilities Commission today for the Kent County Water Authority.

The three-member board, at its public meeting this afternoon, voted 2 to 1 to deny a previous request of 28 percent, presented last month by the KCWA, a pared-down version from an original 35 percent increase sought last March.

The commission approved increasing the authority's operating revenues by 21.7 percent, or approximately $3,443,000. For the year, the average customer would see an increase of about $100, from $446.68 to $544.92.

The commission will summarize its votes in a formal Report and Order available in a few weeks, said Thomas Kolgut, a spokesman for the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, which represents the interest of the customers.

Among some factors affecting the reduction, the commission ruled to trim $600,000 from an infrastructure replacement account, cutting it to $5.4 million.

In addition, the PUC ruled that KCWA employees would only receive a 2 percent salary increase and would now be required to contribute 10 percent co-pay toward their cost of their healthcare.

KCWA Executive Director Timothy Brown remained tight-lipped throughout the afternoon meeting and only offered a terse "I have no comment until I see the official order,'' he said.

Commissioner Robert B. Holbrook said it was necessary to cut the request, given the tight economic times, with millions of dollars needed to maintain and repair the state's bridges and roads.

The rates are based on an average use of 2,730 cubic feet of water per quarter.

Kent County Water Authority serves 26,360 customers, in West Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich and West Greenwich and parts of Cranston, Warwick, Scituate and North Kingstown. It is supplied primarily by the Providence-owned Scituate Reservoir system via mains to the Clinton Avenue pumping station, in Warwick.

 Tags  water rates

Comments

J-Dog said:

There is hope that someday the Public Utilities Commission will learn to say "NO!"...hope.

Link | October 31, 2008 8:17 AM
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