Aqua Ohio Wants Another Water Rate Increase for Ohio Consumers
$13.4 million more requested from consumers – Impact varies by service area.
Aqua Ohio has filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to increase its rates for water service for its nearly 47,000 of its customers (see chart below). Aqua says the $13.4 million increase would fund capital projects and operating expenses.
While most Ohioans get their water service through a local municipality, thousands of Ohioans get this service through a PUCO-regulated utility like Aqua. This proposed rate increase would affect some of Aqua Ohio’s residential consumers more than others. In addition to water rate increases, Aqua is also requesting sewer rate increases for some customers. (See separate Consumer Alert).
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is the state’s designated advocate for residential utility consumers. We are advocating for Aqua Ohio’s residential consumers in this case.
OCC’s team is reviewing Aqua’s proposal and will advocate for Aqua consumers. Affordability is OCC’s priority, and these proposed increases compromise affordability for too many of Aqua’s affected customers.
This latest proposal comes at a time when inflation, higher interest rates, and rising costs for essentials like housing, food, gasoline and energy bills are already straining household budgets. A rate increase of this magnitude could hit Aqua’s consumers especially hard.
You can speak out. Below are ways you can let the PUCO Commissioners know your thoughts about Aqua Ohio’s proposal to raise your water service rates.
Proposed Aqua Ohio Water Monthly Rate Increase (Estimated) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community | Current | Proposed | Dollar Increase | Percentage |
| Auburn Crossing | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Auburn Lakes | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Firestone Trace* | $48.02 | $58.53 | $10.51 | 21.9% |
| Lake Erie | $46.58 | $53.92 | $7.34 | 15.8% |
| Lake Erie East | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| LaRue Village * | $123.43 | $127.71 | $4.28 | 3.5% |
| Masury | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Midvale Village * | $63.70 | $69.20 | $5.50 | 8.6% |
| Mohawk | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Norlick Place | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Ohio American Water | $68.27 | $80.21 | $11.94 | 17.5% |
| Seneca | $56.40 | $82.20 | $25.80 | 45.7% |
| Southwood Estates | $68.27 | $80.21 | $11.94 | 17.5% |
| Tomahawk | $46.58 | $53.92 | $7.34 | 15.8% |
| Most rates above are expressed in 4,000 gallons of water usage for an average consumer. * These rates are expressed in 4,500 gallons of water usage. | ||||
Speak In-Person: At a local public hearing, you can share your views face-to-face with at least one of the five PUCO commissioners that make the decision in this case. Local public hearings have not yet been scheduled but will be publicized on OCC’s website as soon as they are announced. OCC has asked for a virtual public hearing in this case.Want to Know More?
OCC’s Motions to Intervene on behalf of Aqua Ohio consumers has been filed at: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/ViewImage.aspx?CMID=A1001001A25G08B61154G00401
Here is the link to the PUCO docket with all the filings in the case: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?CaseNo=25-0594
Questions?
Call or email the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, your residential utility consumer advocate, at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.
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