ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A consumers advocate group says it's wrong for the Missouri American Water company to be seeking a more than 20% rate hike for all customers during a pandemic. The company is making the request to offset $920 million in ongoing water system upgrades and $30 million in wastewater improvements.
Attorney John Coffman with the Consumers Council of Missouri says the timing is not fair.
"The fact that water is essential for washing hands and to be healthy, I think there's a reason to also not add further to the suffering out there," Coffman says. "
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He says they just were given a "significant" rate increase and expects this new request to turn into a 21% or higher increase for residential customers and "maybe even more for the St. Louis and St. Charles area."
In June, Missouri American Water announced the request to replace approximately 275 miles of aging water and sewer pipelines and upgrade treatment plants, storage tanks, wells and pumping stations across the state. They provide water to nearly 1.5 million people in more than 200 communities in Missouri.
“By making prudent, ongoing investments to maintain and upgrade our water and sewer systems, Missouri American Water is committed to protecting public health and safety in the communities we serve,” Dewey stated. “At the same time, we remain steadfastly committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable customers.”
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Since March the company has issued a temporary moratorium on shut-offs for non-payment and suspended all late fees, and continues to offer payment arrangements to customers who need assistance.
The Missouri Public Service Commission is holding hearings by telephone, and Coffman says it's important you make your voice heard. He says they'll take notice and possibly vote down the request if there's an "overwhelming" amount of comments.
The first public hearing, which will be for St. Louis customers, is set for Thursday, Jan. 21. Those wanting to speak need to register in advance. Notices are going out in the mail with the numbers to call.
The water company says the bill increases wouldn't begin until mid-2021 at the soonest.
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