Each year, Sunshine Water Services reviews its Index Rate to support reliable water and wastewater service. This review may result in a rate increase or decrease.
Effective May 31, 2023, the Index Rate will be increasing.
How is the Index Rate Changing?
Water and wastewater customers in Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole Counties will experience an increase in rates as follows:
- A typical residential customer with both water and wastewater service will experience an increase of 3.08% or $2.28 a month based on 5,000 gallons of usage.
- Wastewater service rates will increase by 2.26%. For a typical residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water a month this is about $1.36 more a month.
- Water service rates will increase by 4.18%. For a typical residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water a month this is about $0.92 more a month.
Is anything else changing?
Additionally, the Miscellaneous Service Charges will increase by 3.08%. The Miscellaneous Service Charges include service turn ons/offs, reconnections, late fees and bad check fees.
Why is this change needed?
This change reflects an increase to fluctuating and uncontrolled expenses like:
- Chemicals critical for water and wastewater treatment.
- Sludge removal to minimize environmental impact.
- Materials and supplies needed for operations and maintenance.
- Other important items like transportation and skilled labor.
Utilities may apply for each year's price index between April 1 and March 31 of the following year.
No Additional Profit is Included in the Price Index.
No additional profit is included in the price index. If a utility exceeds its authorized rate of return after implementing a price index increase, the Public Service Commission may order the utility to reduce the rates and issue a refund with interest to the customers.
For more information on a price index, please visit the PSC Water Price Index Brochure