In 2023, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) approved a portion of the company’s request to increase water and wastewater service rates over the following three years. In a recent bill, customers received a notice from the NCUC detailing Year Two rate increases. The following provides additional information on the changes to your rates and offers insight into how the resources will be used to continue to improve the system and enhance your experience as a customer.
How are rates set or changed?
When you pay your bill to Carolina Water Service of North Carolina (CWSNC), you’re paying your share of our cost to operate and maintain the system that procures, treats, and delivers safe, clean water to your home or business. In many cases, our company also manages your wastewater services in compliance with other strict rules.
Background
During the summer of 2022, we filed a request with the state to increase rates over the next three years as part of a comprehensive Water and Sewer Investment Plan (WSIP). For several months, our operations were closely scrutinized by utility regulators and other interested parties in a rigorous public process. Next, the utilities commission took the time it needed to consider all the evidence before deciding whether the company could adjust its rates and by how much. During that time, North Carolina law allowed CWSNC to implement temporary, interim rates for service on or after January 31, 2023, with the understanding that the money collected was subject to refund with interest, if necessary, depending on the final NCUC decision. Those rate changes began showing up on your bills in the early spring 2023.
After its review, on April 26, 2023, the NCUC did approve a partial rate increase request.
How are my rates changing?
The adjustments slated for the second year of the rate plan have been implemented and those changes will be reflected in an upcoming billing cycle.
View average impact to a residential retail customer with a 5/8” meter using 4,000 gallons of water per month. Additionally, please see the notice that was included with your most recent bill for additional information related to charges that may be applicable to your service. Most customers will only experience a slight increase in their monthly service bills.
Capital investments and improving the customer experience
The largest driver of the rate request is a pressing need to invest more than $110 million in the complex water and wastewater systems that serve our customers. As always, our goal is to help ensure safety and reliability. Here are a few examples:
- The nation’s water and wastewater systems are outdated, showing significant wear and tear and our infrastructure is not immune. The average age of some of our most important assets is 38 years and it is ready for replacement.
- We must modernize some of the technology on our system to better protect against physical and cyber-based threats, improve safety and make operations more efficient.
- Customers tell us they want more information and control over their water usage. Moving from analog to digital technology on meters, for example, and sharing that information with customers delivers on this important commitment.
To learn more, customers may also visit the NCUC website and search Docket “W-354 Sub 400” at https://starw1.ncuc.net/NCUC/page/Dockets/portal.aspx.
Carolina Water Service of North Carolina is a private, regulated water and wastewater utility delivering vital, safe and reliable services which enable our communities to thrive. Carolina Water Service of North Carolina provides essential service across 38 counties in North Carolina. Through infrastructure investment and operational excellence, we safeguard our natural resources for today and future generations. Our local commitment to our customers and each other is expressed in our motto "We’ve got this!"
Sincerely,
Donald H. Denton III
President, Carolina Water Service of North Carolina