New Port Richey, Florida - Customers of Aqua Utilites could soon be paying more for water and sewer rates after a recommendation by the staff of the Public Service Commission.
During public hearings late last year, customers complained of poor water quality and bad service from Aqua Utilites.
State Senator Mike Fasano released this statement after learning PSC staff recommended giving Aqua Utilites the hike they requested:
State Senator Mike Fasano is extremely disappointed in the staff recommendation regarding Aqua Utilities that was released today by the Florida Public Service Commission. The staff has deemed that Aqua Utilities quality of service is satisfactory.
Additionally, the staff has recommended that Aqua receive a rate increase $200,000 more than was even requested by the utility. Both of these points were vigorously opposed by State Senator Mike Fasano and State Representative John Legg and customers of Aqua Utilities in public hearings held last year.
"It is unconscionable that the staff has recommended that Aqua receive $200,000 more than the company requested," Senator Fasano states. "The economic impact of the original rate increase was devastating for the customers of Aloha. To have an additional rate hike suggested on top of that is beyond comprehension."
Senator Fasano is calling upon the members of the Florida Public Service Commission to deny the staff's recommendation. Rather than granting an increase Senator Fasano is requesting that that the commission reduce the water rates due to the marginal quality of service that was previously recognized by staff and has been attested to by the customers.
"Once again, Tallahassee just does not get it," Senator Fasano comments. "The people who fret over paying their monthly bills will be harmed even further if these recommendations are adopted. It is time that the customers be put before the utility."
The Public Service Commission will consider the recommendation at a future hearing.