OPC to Speak Out Against DC Water’s New CRIAC Rate Proposal
For Immediate Release: June 12, 2019
Contact: Doxie A. McCoy, Public Information Officer
OPC to Speak Out Against DC Water’s New CRIAC Rate Proposal
Washington, DC – DC Water will hold a public hearing on its proposed fiscal year 2020 water and sewer rates on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 pm, at its main office at 1385 Canal Street SE. The Office of the People’s Counsel will present testimony opposing the plan because it will force residential customers to pay significantly higher sewer usage rates if approved by the Board of Directors of the DC Water and Sewer Authority.
The new rate structure is designed to provide relief for the costly Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC). However, DC Water proposes to shift the CRIAC burden from one customer group to another, said People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia Sandra Mattavous-Frye.
“OPC understands there is a need to reduce reported exorbitant water bills paid by particular customer entities, such as large faith-based institutions, as many of them provide vital services throughout the city. However, it is clear that DC Water’s proposed remedy comes at the expense of vulnerable residential households who are already financially burdened. OPC recommends that DC Water thoroughly investigate the anticipated costs and impacts on DC residents who we believe will suffer from higher bills. A plan that will create financial inequities is not the solution.”
Separately, People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye has filed comments with the Board of Directors, reflecting that DC Water has failed to demonstrate that its proposed rulemaking to increase residential sewer rates and decrease CRIAC rates is just and reasonable. The filing is consistent with OPC’s expanded role as the advocate for water ratepayers following enactment of the DC Water Consumer Protection Amendment Act on April 11, 2019. The legislation authorizes OPC to represent consumers at hearings, as well as resolve customer complaints related to DC Water billing and services.
OPC calls on the Board of Directors to reject the rate plan and direct the water authority to supply the necessary facts to support its rate changes. They are proposed to take effect October 1st of this year. For the benefit of all DC Water ratepayers, OPC encourages the Board to vigorously investigate other strategies, including a number of recommendations to address rising CRIAC costs in a March 2019 DC Council report.
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