New York American Water Raising Rates

New York American Water customers in Nassau County including Sea Cliff and the surrounding area are going to see their water usage bills jump as new surcharges were filed with state regulators. The new charges ranging from 4.33% to 5.07 % will take effect August 1st. The new usage bills will charge $.97 for low end users up to $6.34 for high end users. There was a state approved conservation rate hike earlier this year.

The company is also looking to raise bills for a system improvement charge for the Sea Cliff customers of .83%. Senator Jim Gaughran issued a statement:

“It is not a surprise that American Water -- the consummate example of corporate malfeasance with a history of deception and ratepayer abuse -- is again attempting to pass off questionable costs to ratepayers, but it is shameful and I am outraged by these allegations. I urge the Public Service Commission to swiftly investigate these legitimate concerns. It is time for American Water to once and for all act as a good corporate neighbor. Water is a human right.”

These latest complaints follow massive outcry last year over questionable and exorbitant rate hikes by American Water, during which it was discovered that American Water employees lied to the Public Service Commission.

Senator Gaughran introduced a bill in response to this deception:

(https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s5673)