Release date: 11/28/2018
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein opposed Carolina Water Service’s proposed water rate increase. In his filing to the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Attorney General Stein argued that the requested rate increase is not fair to North Carolinians.
“Carolina Water Service is proposing a significant increase for North Carolinians’ water rates,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “However, the company has failed to make an adequate and legal case for doing so. I am opposing this rate increase to stand up for North Carolinians – and their wallets.”
In the filing, Attorney General Stein lays out three reasons he opposes the rate increase.
- The proposal would allow Carolina Water Service to change rates each year based on changes in average water consumption. These frequent changes in rates are unjust and are not authorized by statute.
- Carolina Water Service has recently benefitted from significant federal tax savings, which should be passed on to ratepayers without delay.
- The proposed increase is unjustifiably high. It adds nearly $1.8 million to the rate of return to the utility’s investors each year – which is not a reasonable or fair rate of return.
After this filing, the Commission will consider the arguments on each side and issue a decision in the coming months.
Contact:
Laura Brewer (919) 716-6484
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