MORGANTOWN — State Public Service Commission staff has recommended that the PSC approve a two-step rate hike for Brookhaven-area customers who receive sewer service from the Deckers Creek Public Service District.
For an average residential customer using 3,500 gallons per month, staff’s Tuesday filing shows, they would see their rate rise by $4.20, from $28.78 to $32.98, a 14.59% increase. This would take effect upon the PSC order in the case becoming final.
The second step would take effect on July 1, 2025. The rate for the same customer would rise by $4.15, from $29.20 to $33.35, a 14.21% increase.
So the overall hike rate would go from $28.78 to $33.35 following the second step — a $4.57 increase in total.
Rate increases would vary by usage. The minimum rate for less than 1,000 gallons would go from the current $23.04 to $28.50, and then to $28.80 following Step 2.
A customer using 4,700 gallons would see their rate go from $38 to $43.73, and then to $44.25 following Step 2.
Deckers Creek PSD filed its proposed increase in April. Step 1 reflects a total annual revenue increase of $157,915 (16.46%) to cover its cash requirements of $840,916, debt service of $143,839, a working capital reserve of $102,241, and a cash surplus of $33,047.
Step 2 reflects a total revenue increase of $159,123 (16.38%) to cover cash requirements of $852,871, debt service of $143,839, a working capital reserve of $103,724, and a cash surplus of $37,159.
The rate-hike proposal follows a four-step increase plan that began in 2021. The current rate for 3,500 gallons, for example, is the current Step 3 rate. If approved by the PSC, the new Step 1 would replace that rate; and Step 2 would replace the current Step 4 that was set to take effect next July.
An administrative law judge is supposed to render a decision in the case no later than Dec. 4.
EMAIL: dbeard@dominionpost.com
TWEET @DominionPostWV
