Regulators Rebuff TAWC Rate Increase Request

[CMF Newsman]

CHATTANOOGA — The Tennessee Regulatory Agency (TRA) announced today that it will approve a 4.37 percent water rate increase, substantially less than the 20 percent increase requested by the Tennessee American Water Company.

"The people of our fine city and county have spoken and voiced their immense displeasure with the growing business plan of TAWC coming back year after year asking for totally unsubstantiated rate increases," said Chattanooga businessman Randy Baker, chairman of the Fight the Hike citizens campaign.

TAWC spokesperson Kim Dalton said in an e-mailed statement, "We are disappointed with the outcome of the TRA decision and we do not believe the decision is in the best long-term interest of our customers or the water system."

www.newschannel9.com/news/increase_971748___article.html/american_rate.html

[gridbug]

But does the TRA have a problem with a sewer rate increase? If not we consumers will still see a bigger bill.

Of course sending out bigger bills without getting any of the $$$ will pi$$ of TAWC, and then that is probably what they'll do in our water...

[duke]

Sept 23, 2008 8:07:32 GMT -5 @gridbug said:

But does the TRA have a problem with a sewer rate increase? If not we consumers will still see a bigger bill.

TRA does not regulate government owned utilities. One reason for opposing the renewed proposal of the City of Chattanooga's hostile take over bid of TN-Am. Water. Our local politicians cannot be trusted to keep rates low.

Expect TAWC to be back next year for another rate increase.