Suez reported that the Delaware Public Service Commission granted a rate increase that amounts to about $3 a month for customers.
The increase will fund a $60 million investment in the water company’s system in northern Delaware.
“These uniquely challenging times have shined a brighter spotlight on the importance of safe and reliable drinking water,” said Larry Finnicum, director, Delaware Operations. “With frequent hand washing an important defense measure, these investments put a powerful tool in customers’ hands in the fight against COVID19. By tripling our investments in Delaware in recent years, these improvements also help ensure that our current customers and generations after them will have dependable water service and quality.”
The $60 million investment plan represents an average investment of $1,600 per customer, well above the rate increase.
Suez customers in Delaware will still pay less for water service than customers of most other providers in the state and region.
- Residents served by some of the oldest pipes in the Delaware system benefit from a $26 million investment to replace 61,000 feet of water mains. These areas include Ashbourne Hills, Radnor Green, and the Bellevue office park, which is the home to companies that employ 2,000.
- Suez has invested nearly $20 million in the Stanton Water Treatment Plant, The project adds four million gallons of treated water storage on-site – a five-fold increase- and a 6,000 square foot pumping facility that helps deliver up to 24 million gallons of drinking water daily. This ensures the reliability of supply and maximizes water safety through enhanced disinfection. More efficient “green” pumps decrease the plant’s carbon footprint by the equivalent of removing 120 cars from the road every day.
- Construction is nearing completion on a new water storage tank that will serve 15,000 customers in north Wilmington.
- The installation of a $1.4 million state-of-the-art meter reading system, called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), will lead to hourly updates on water consumption and help customers better manage their water bills.
Suez spends $1.5 million on local goods and services each year, and the company contributes over $1.7 million in annual school, property and other local taxes.
For those who need help paying their water bills. Customers can call the Delaware customer service center at 800-668-0856 to discuss payment plans or contact our financial assistance partner, SUEZ Cares, at suezcares.org.
Suez is part of a multinational water and wastewater services company based in Paris.
