MERRICK, NY — A planned rate hike for Liberty Water customers has drawn the ire from Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin.
The utility company, which took over from American Water 16 months, has filed for a nearly 35% increase.
“I’m outraged,” Clavin said Friday in a statement.
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He added that if the hike is approved by the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) , it “will allow Liberty to pad the value of the company by foisting this outrageous increase on its customers who are already overpaying for water.”
The proposed rate changes would mean an $18.32 increase per month for Lynbrook system customers, a $15.74 monthly hike for Merrick system customers and a $7.37 per month increase for North Shore customers, Liberty said.
Liberty New York Water President Chris Alario said in a statement: “The filing of this rate case followed a complex and holistic review of our utility that revealed a modification to rates is necessary to continue important infrastructure improvements, water quality projects, and resiliency and reliability upgrades throughout the various communities we serve.”
Alario said additional funds are needed to pay for “infrastructure at required levels, continue the installation of smart meters, create a low-income payment program as required by the Public Service Commission (PSC), provide customers with a fee-free program for electronic payments, and provide a reduction to fire hydrant fees.”
Town of Hempstead Department of Water Commissioner John Reinhardt, speaking on behalf of the newly formed South Nassau Water Authority said, “Drinking water is a vital resource and should be not used to generate excessive profits.”
Clavin said the Public Service Commission needs to “reject this unconscionable rate increase. Liberty Water ratepayers deserve better.”
“We are committed to a transparent process and will be providing our customers with many opportunities to learn more about the details of this filing and how to be a part of the public process with the PSC,” Alario said.
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