Golden State Water Company (GSWC) has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for an increase in local water rates. A Public Hearing, held April 18, at Clearlake City Hall provided an opportunity for public comment on the proposed water rate hike.
GSWC is proposing a 15.81 percent increase by 2010 with 12.99 percent of the increase to be implemented in 2008; 1.10 percent in 2009; and 1.72 percent in 2010. According to the company”s rate application fact sheet, the increase will allow GSWC to “improve water service to all of its customers.”
Several comments regarding the impact of the rate increase were taken into record during Wednesday”s public hearing, which was attended by representatives of the applicant, the PUC as well as the public at large. GSWC customers, as well as customers from neighboring water districts, voiced strong opposition to the proposed rate increase.
Many complained of already being forced to pay the highest price in the city for water consumption as well as for surcharges. GSWC charges its customers $3.6360 per 100 cubic feet of water delivered plus a $36.65 per month service charge. According to a Konocti County Water District rate sheet, it charges its customers $28 per month and $.0193 per cubic foot for water usage.
“Our service charge went from bi-monthly to monthly. I would like to see the surcharge go down,” said Kay Coyote. “Let the increase be in the amount of water used. I don”t even drink the water that comes out of the tap. Sometimes I feel guilty about even giving it to my dog.”
Others shared Coyote”s concern regarding poor water quality; Gary Faulkner said due to health reasons, he is forced to by bottled water for drinking because he can”t drink the water from the tap.
Julia Hearst voiced a concern for Clearlake”s high population of senior citizens who are on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay any more than they already do for water. She also noted that the company doesn”t offer any senior discounts or any other type of reduced rate for low income, similar to those offered by other utilities. “I think it”s a shame our water bill is more than our PG&E bill ? it”s double ? and you don”t have a senior discount like PG&E does,” she said. “We have to live within our means and I don”t understand why the water company can”t do the same.”
Many complaints regarding the limitations residents have because of unaffordable water. “You”ve eliminated our ability to beautify our neighborhoods,” Phara Travis said. “You”ve eliminated our ability to have a garden and provide food for our families.”
Bill Shields noted the existence of three water companies in the Clearlake service area. “If you look around, you see that we have no landscaping, no gardens,” he said. “Why doesn”t the three combine and give us affordable water?”
Sandra Blenio said she was forced to conserve water and has gotten her bill down to $8 per month; she then added her outrage for the “$37.50” per month surcharge.
