Chattanooga Residents Invited to Voice Opinions at Water Rate Increase Meeting

Chattanooga Residents Invited to Share Opinions on Water Rate Increase

Chattanooga, get ready! The Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) is asking for your thoughts on a proposed rate increase from the Tennessee-American Water Company. This discussion kicks off this Monday, where locals can express their views at a public meeting held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Details of the Public Meeting

Come join us on Monday from 2-7 p.m. (EDT) in Meeting Room 12 at the convention center located at 1 Carter Plaza. TPUC’s Chairman, David F. Jones, will be leading the discussion, and everyone is welcomed to attend! Whether you have questions, concerns, or just want to hear what others think, this is your chance to be part of the conversation.

How to Get Involved

If you can’t make it to the meeting but still want your voice heard, don’t fret! You can submit your thoughts in writing. Just send an email to contact.tpuc@tn.gov, making sure to include Docket No. 24-00032 in the subject line. Your comments will be added to the official docket for review.

What’s the Rate Increase About?

Tennessee American Water Company filed this petition on May 1, requesting to adjust rates in light of a whopping $173 million in water system investments since their last rate hike back in 2012. According to their statement, these investments aim to ensure that they can continue to provide clean, safe, and reliable water while also adhering to necessary environmental regulations.

President of Tennessee American Water, Grant Evitts, has emphasized their commitment to maintaining and enhancing water quality and reliability through ongoing investments. Evitts shared, “Our approach for long-term, efficient, and consistent investment in our water system helps us deliver high-quality affordable and reliable service to our customers.”

Potential Impact on Residents

If approved, the average residential customer in Chattanooga can expect an increase of around $4-per-month on their water bill. However, the company isn’t just looking to raise rates without considering the community. Part of their proposal includes a new universal affordability tariff aimed at providing assistance to those who might struggle with their bills. This means that customers with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for a tiered discount.

Currently, Tennessee American Water has existing programs such as Project Water Help, along with payment plans and budget billing options. If anyone needs help, reaching out to United Way 2-1-1 could be a great first step.

Next Steps

After the public meeting, the TPUC will hold a hearing in Nashville scheduled for November 18 at 10 a.m. (CST), located in Hearing Room G.201 at the Andrew Jackson State Office Building. This is another opportunity for the public to voice their opinions, and correspondingly, all input is vital as it contributes to the final decision on these proposed rates.

To get more details on the proposed rate hike and find out ways to participate, you can visit the TPUC’s website. They have laid out all the pertinent information, including links to the relevant documents.

Final Thoughts

So, Chattanooga, let your voice be heard! Whether you want to express support, raise concerns, or simply learn more about changes that could affect your wallet and your water service, participate in these discussions. Your input is invaluable as the community navigates these important matters.