Utility says revenue would cover costs for improvements

ThisWeek CW 06/11/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/08/aqua-ohio-rate-increase-utility-says-revenue-would-cover-costs-for-improvements.html

Madison Township residents could see rate increases for water and sewer service later this year if a request by Aqua Ohio to recover system improvement costs is approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Trustee Gary McDonald raised the issue at a Madison Township trustees’ meeting in May after receiving an email from township Administrator Susan Brobst outlining the details given to her by Aqua Ohio representative Greg O’Dell.

“Greg O’Dell and PUCO sent a letter to us about Aqua Ohio water receiving a rate increase to pay for system improvements,” McDonald said. “The proposed rates to us were to go up about 4 percent and this will show as a separate charge, affecting about 3,100 residents in Blacklick Estates.”

According to the email, if the increase is approved, it would be a 4.5-percent rate increase for water service, which is equivalent to $2.11 per 4,000 gallons used. There would also be a 3-percent rate increase for sewer service, equivalent to $1.48 per 4,000 gallons used.

O’Dell stated in his email the improvements have already been completed, so if the PUCO approves the request, customers will see the changes appear on their bills in the next three to five months on a separate “system improvement” line item.

In September 2014, Aqua Ohio was granted a water rate increase of 9.7 percent which, according to the company, was also necessary to cover the costs of system improvements. No increase in sewage rates occurred at that time.

McDonald said he was “disappointed” about last year’s rate increase, and that he would fight this new increase.

“This is still just a suggestion and not yet in place, so we’ll keep an eye on this and keep tabs like we have done for electric and gas,” McDonald said. “I want the residents to know that there is a possibility for PUCO to approve this and that the township will be vigilant in this process.”