Fayetteville residents could see an increase in electric, water and sewer rates starting in May, and the city’s Public Works Commission wants to hear from the public about those higher costs.
PWC will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate increases at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday during its regular meeting in the boardroom at the administrative offices on 955 Old Wilmington Road.
If the utility rate increases are approved, they would go into effect on May 1. Additional rate increases for water and sewer service would raise the costs for consumers even further. The additional increases would go into effect on May 1, 2024.
The combined rate increases for electric, water and sewer service are estimated to boost a typical monthly bill anywhere from $13 to $16, CityView reported earlier this month.
According to a PWC news release, the higher rates necessary because of rising costs associated with inflation and supply-chain problems, among other reasons. Examples, according to PWC, are increased costs of water-treating chemicals and electric transformers.
The costs of relocating utility lines also are increasing because of major projects by the N.C. Department of Transportation. The projects on Raeford Road, Ramsey Street and Camden Road were originally estimated to cost $60 million. That estimate is now $130 million, according to PWC.
Residents who wish to speak at the public hearing must register beforehand with the PWC clerk at the office on 955 Old Wilmington Road. Residents can also register by sending their name and address by fax to 910-829-0207 or by email to pwcboard@faypwc.com. Residents can also register in person between 8 and 8:30 a.m. before the meeting in the boardroom.
