RICHMOND — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has set new water and sewer rates for utilities operated by Aqua Virginia. This decision results in a decrease for average use customers of each utility below the interim rates customers currently are paying, and provides for one-time refunds.
Aqua Virginia requested authority to increase rates for most of its 17 water systems and four sewer systems subject to the SCC’s jurisdiction and provide an additional annual operating revenue of $3.3 million. The company implemented this increase on an interim basis on December 13, 2009. Because the SCC has determined that an increase of approximately $2.1 million is reasonable, customers are due a refund, with interest, on the amounts over-collected while interim rates were in effect and will pay water and sewer rates based on this lower figure in the future.
The SCC received approximately 3,400 public comments on Aqua Virginia’s application. Most customer comments opposed the size of the company’s proposed rate increase. Other customers noted that they had experienced problems with water quality or Aqua Virginia’s customer service.
In its order, the Commission agreed that Aqua Virginia requires some additional annual revenues to improve customers’ quality of service and ensure that the company is providing reliable and safe drinking water and wastewater services. However, the SCC found that the revenue request proposed in the company’s application was excessive.
Aqua Virginia was directed to file within 60 days a detailed report of actions taken with regard to customer complaints with the SCC’s Division of Energy Regulation. The company also was directed to file with the division within 30 days its customer complaint procedure. The staff must report to the Commission on the adequacy of the company’s complaint procedure within 60 days of the SCC order.