WVPSC Suspends Grantsville’s 60% Rate Increase Request Pending Investigation of Need

6 Replies to “WVPSC Suspends Grantsville’s 60% Rate Increase Request Pending Investigation of Need”

1. I do not have a log in this fire because I do not have city water. But I do wonder about the American Water (not sure if that is the whole name) company’s rates. I believe i heard it mentioned that that company would take over if the rate increase does not happen. So do we know what their rates are for comparison purposes.

   1. This is all propoganda. No one knows. The answer is first consolidation. I doubt that any company would buy it without consolidation and maybe not even then as they are up to their neck in debt. And rates are based on costs an no consolidated operating costs and rates were ever calculated. Lots of folks talking about what will happen if this and if that with absolutely no data to back it up. It is scare tactics.

   2. but one thing that is a fact is that if the 60% goes through Grantsville will be #28 highest rate out of #340……so that the top of the tree already.

2. This really isn’t that complicated. If the cost increases are justified, then the town should easily be able to provide that data to the WVPSC. My guess is that a much smaller rate increase is easily justified, but the town is attempting to utilize rate increases, rather than try to levy taxes for capital improvements. Transparency is the key; good governance thrives in sunlight,

3. I have mentioned for several years that WV American Water would be happy to buy the services and take over that responsibility and the customer base. Meaning you lose control of your water. There are companies that are offering big money to buy out systems knowing the small towns are in financial trouble. The dollar amount looks good, most of the time way more than the system is worth. The struggling towns / areas see that large dollar amount knowing the system is worth far less than the offer and take it because it will help town financially. The new company comes into town and raises rates through the roof to the customers to make up for the overpayment they have made for the system. They really do not care about the cost to the customer. Water is a business. And a very profitable one. This is why I have been vocal on stepping up the service to customers and taking care of the system (mainly Mt Zion which provides water to my friends and family in that area) before you lose control of your water. Hear that again. You will lose control of YOUR WATER. I have worked with water for 25 years and see this happening across the country. Most water companies are not even owned by the USA. They are owned by companies overseas. I am not supplied by any of these companies, but have been trying for years to tell people, including board members to step up their game, but judging by the physical appearance of the Mt Zion main office and product provided to its customers, no one has listened. Again, you will lose control of YOUR WATER due to a lack of accountability which saddens me.

   1. You’re exactly right Mr. Firestine. Not only do you lose control of the rates but they can also change where your water comes from. There are far worse areas to receive your water than the Little Kanawha and it would not be inconceivable if one company owns the vast majority of the lines that they could combine them.🤢

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