HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton Water Co. is proposing water rate adjustments that will increase operating revenues by 12.9 percent, according to company officials.
The proposed increase, the first since March 2021, is necessary because of a decline in sales and increased costs over the past several years. The proposed rate will increase the average residential bill by $1.90 per month or $5.70 per quarter, according to PUC filings.
Residential and commercial usage has dropped due to low-flow plumbing and many Houlton newcomers are couples versus larger families, said Houlton Water Co. General Manager Greg Sherman.
“Historically we have not had many rate increases,” Sherman said. “With inflation over the past couple of years there is no place to cut expenses. The cost of fuel is up, labor costs are up and the cost of chemicals are up.”
Water utilities in Maine have historically not kept pace with increasing financial demands, according to the Maine Public Utilities Commission. But a new streamlined rate increase process has spurred a 26 percent increase in the state’s water utilities raising rates this year, the PUC said in a recent newsletter.
Sherman said that the water company board is considering smaller increases more often instead of a larger increase after several years. Additionally, Sherman said the water company is putting in the technology for remote water meter reads and that will eventually give them the ability to bill monthly, which would be easier on customers.
Houlton Water Co. rates, despite the increase, are still among the lowest in the state, said Sherman.
The new proposed rate, if PUC approved, will go into effect on Dec. 1. Rates will increase 13.5 percent annually for residential, commercial, industrial and governmental customers and 11.6 percent for public fire protection.
As an example, a $42 quarterly bill would increase $5.67 or $1.89 a month.
A public hearing on the increase is at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Houlton Water Co., 21 Bangor St. office.
Details supporting the increase will be available during the public hearing and customers may question water company staff regarding the rate change, Sherman said.
Customers may request and inspect data relating to the present and proposed rates at the Company’s office before the hearing.
The Public Advocate is available for customer assistance and may be contacted at (207) 624-3687, State House Station 112, Augusta, Me 04333.
