Press Release: State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Opposes United Water New Rochelle's Proposed Water Rate Increase

Yonkers, NY - Democratic Conference Leader, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins,  has written to the New York State Public Service Commission in opposition to the proposed United Water New Rochelle rate increase in advance of a public hearing on the matter to be held tomorrow evening.

In her letter, Senator Stewart-Cousins stated, “On behalf of my constituents in the 35th State Senate District,  I am writing in opposition to the Joint Proposal by United Water New Rochelle and United Water Westchester to raise water rates. There are two rate increase options. One would raise water rates by as much as 14.06% in the first year. The other -- the levelization option -- would raise water rates by 8.23%.  Neither of these options is acceptable.

I support the Statement of Opposition filed on behalf of the Municipal Consortium, which includes municipalities within my district such as the city of New Rochelle, and the villages of Dobbs Ferry, Hastings and Ardsley.

Families are struggling to make ends meet in this economy, and this utility is requesting unacceptable increases far above other rising costs.”

Senator Stewart-Cousins also commented on the proposed merger with United Water Westchester. “A merger in the public interest should save money and reduce water rates or hold water rates to a minimal increase, more in line with what our economy and my constituents are in a position to pay.”

Constituents who are interested in making public comments in regard to the United Water New Rochelle/United Water Westchester Proposed Merger and Rate Increase can do so by attending one of two public hearings. On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, the NYS DPS will hold a public hearing at 6 pm in New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle. A second hearing will be held August 6, 2014 at Rye City Hall beginning at 6 pm.