PUC to investigate PWD rate increase

A sufficient number of signatures were submitted on petitions for the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to review a proposed rate increase by the Passamaquoddy Water District (PWD). On September 19, the PUC issued an order suspending the proposed rate schedule for a period of three months from October 1, to allow the commission time to investigate the matter.

A total of 247 signatures were submitted on the petitions. At least 111 were needed to exceed the required 15% of the customers of the district needed to result in the PUC investigation. The PWD is not contesting the validity of the petitions, according to PWD Manager Nancy Seeley.

A technical conference to investigate the proposed rate increase will be held in Augusta, probably in November, with PUC staff, representatives of the petitioners and the PWD, according to Fred Bever, director of communications for the PUC. The Public Advocate, representing the petitioners, will be an intervenor in the proceedings. PUC staff will then make a recommendation that may make adjustments in the proposal, which will then be acted on by the commissioners.

The district is looking for an additional $140,556 in annual revenues to meet increasing costs. The proposed increases by customer class are as follows: residential C 20.8%, $69,530; commercial C 20.8%, $6,108; industrial C 20.8%, $1,243; public authorities C 20.8%, $7,028; public fire protection C 26.3%, $47,632; private fire protection C 24.2%, $9,015.