The Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a rate increase for SUEZ customers.
The utility, formerly United Water, is is accelerating its water main replacement program, enhancing safety and water quality while improving system reliability, a release stated.
United Water serves a large portion of northern New Castle County.
The request was the first increase in overall water service rates in more than five years.
“We’ve been able to keep our rates low as a result of effectively managing our operating and maintenance expenses,” said Larry Finnicum, operations manager of SUEZ in Delaware. “In fact, our rates remain among the lowest for water service in the Wilmington area.”
According to Finnicum, the water rates approved by the PSC, result in an overall average bill increase of approximately 13 cents per day or $3.93 per month for a typical residential customer using 4,000 gallons of water per month.
“The company’s main objective is to continue providing safe and reliable water service to customers at a reasonable cost,” Finnicum said. “We do that through applying new technology and promoting efficiency.”
The new rates reflect new meter reading technology that is a more efficient way of reading meters and promotes both a sustainable and safety initiative by reducing the number of miles driven by employees, the release stated.
“The new rates enable us to continue to meet the stricter water quality regulations of the future, and also ensure the continued safety and reliability of our water system,” said Finnicum.
