The New York State Public Service Commission Thursday rejected a requested water-rate increase in the Hudson Valley.
The Public Service Commission denied United Water New York’s request to increase its revenues $21.3 million, or nearly 29 percent. United Water, which serves Rockland and Orange Counties, had filed nearly one year ago the request for a nearly 20 percent rate hike. That would have amounted to about $12 additional per month per average customer. Instead, the company will be allowed to increase rates by either just more than 13 percent, or close to 10 percent, under one- and two-year options. General Manager of United Water New York Michael Pointing, says he is very disappointed in the decision because it takes a short-term view of the investments necessary to provide stability for the water system. The PSC also directed United Water to hire a third party to independently review management and operation practices.
