Apr 3, 2009 9:59 am US/Eastern
DEP Proposes 14 Percent Water Rate Increase For NY
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The Department of Environmental Protection is proposing a water and sewer rate increase of 14 percent, CBS 2 HD has learned.
The new rate is consistent with the projected rate at this time last year.
For the typical single family home, the increase means that average annual water and sewer costs would increase from $799 to $911, an increase of about $28 per quarter, or approximately 30 cents per day.
DEP Commissioner Steven W. Lawitts said the department is working to keep the rate as low as possible, including taking the same 5 percent budget cut as other agencies and cutting their budget for next year.
"DEP recognizes that both across the country and in New York City, many residents are experiencing financial pressure, and that any increase is significant for our customers. And we are working to keep the rate as low as possible, including taking the same 5% budget cut as other agencies this year and cutting our budget for next year," said Lawitts in a written statement. "DEP has also developed the Safety Net Program, which leverages a range of assistance programs throughout the City that can be of particular use to our most sensitive customer populations: low-income account holders, seniors and those impacted by the mortgage and foreclosure crisis."
A 6 percent decline in consumption is on track to make 2009 the lowest water consumption year since the 1960s.
"This dramatic decline outpaced conservative projections and may be the result of the current economic downturn. The daily average water consumption now is approximately 1 billion gallons. DEP always plans for a drop in consumption based on historical trends and projections, and though conservation is critical, unanticipated drops can have significant consequences for system revenues. The decline in consumption accounts for $80 million of a $100 million projected revenue shortfall," continued the DEP statement.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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