New York
Related: About this forumUnited Water customers protest plan to hike rates
Ken Valenti
NEW ROCHELLE Several residents and elected officials opposed United Water's proposed rate hikes at a hearing Tuesday evening.
Several speakers noted that the three-year increase plan, which would mean more expensive water for much of mid- and lower Westchester, came as part of a merger plan between sister companies United Water New Rochelle and United Water Westchester.
"If anything, we should be lowering rates as a result of a merger," New Rochelle resident Joyce Furfero said at the hearing in City Hall.
About 25 people occupied the chamber, including several United Water officials. The hearing was held by the state Public Service Commission, which must rule on the rate proposal.
http://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/2014/08/05/united-water-customers-oppose-rate-increase-plan-hearing/13645845/
Stargazer99
(2,594 posts)Privatizing basic needs is one of the more stupid things you conservatives advocate
One would almost think conservatives consider you human or of value if you can pay what ever the strangle hold corp or company wants?
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)As is done with some other utilities, price hikes can produce funds that can go to improvements in infrastructure and help low income customers pay their bills.
Also, naturally, higher prices encourages conservation-- maybe tiered rates should be considered.
Of course, profits for the wealthy, especially wealthy owners in other states in countries, needs to be verboten.
It's the kind of thing that, I think, presently needs to be done at the state level by Public Utilities Commissions.