VOORHEES, NJ — On Oct. 29, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a settlement between New Jersey American Water and the N.J. Division of Rate Counsel and BPU staff for new water and wastewater rates for New Jersey American Water. The new rates represent a $40 million annual increase in water and wastewater revenues for New Jersey American Water, according to a release from NJAW.
The company’s rate request, which was filed Sept. 15, 2017, was driven by more than $868 million in needed investment in treatment and distribution system upgrades statewide since the company’s last rate increase in 2015. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well the Oct. 29 approval, most customers can expect to see a one-time credit on their bills beginning in November.
The cost of water service for the company’s customers remains at approximately a penny per gallon. The approximate bill for an average water customer using 6,000 gallons of water per month will be $53.45 and the approximate bill for an average wastewater customer will be $58.70.
“We are extremely proud of our significant level of system investment, combined with operational efficiency measures and innovative technologies, to ensure continued water quality, service reliability and fire protection for the more than 2.7 million people who depend on us every day. This rate order enables us to continue this important work on behalf of our customers, while balancing the cost impact for them,” NJAW President Deb Degillio said.
New Jersey American Water continues to invest in needed system improvements to ensure clean, safe, reliable water and wastewater services to its customers, according to the release; at the same time, the company continues to focus on cost control and increased efficiency to balance the rate impact of these investments.
In addition, the BPU approved the company’s petition to increase customers’ income threshold to qualify for payment assistance through New Jersey American Water’s H2O Help to Others Program. For more information, visit the Customer Service and Billing page on the company’s website, or call the company’s program partner, New Jersey Shares, toll-free at 1-877-652-9426.
More information about the company’s rates can be found online at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under the Customer Service & Billing menu, select Your Water and Wastewater Rates, or call 1-800-272-1325, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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