Liberty is regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), and rates are established based upon the cost of providing service. This includes construction, maintenance, operation, administration and financing. Periodically, the company will file with the PSC for updates to its rates based on new infrastructure investments and any changes in the costs to operate the water system. This is referred to as a base rate case.*
As part of the rate filing, Liberty must submit to the PSC extensive financial and operational data documenting its cost of doing business. The PSC then scrutinizes information provided by the company in an open and thorough process. Public hearings are held around the state to obtain customer input. And, after examining all the information, the PSC may grant all, some or none of the company’s request.
*Costs of certain large system improvements can be recovered between base rate cases through System Improvement Charges (SIC), a program that was approved by the PSC and has allowed the company to implement several critical projects, such as iron removal treatment facilities and well and storage tank rehabilitations. Each completed SIC project is thoroughly reviewed by the PSC before a charge is implemented.
New York Water Tariff
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Tariffs of Systems New York American Water Operates*
Arbor Hills Waterworks, Inc. Tariff
Battisti Water Supply Corporation Tariff
Painted Apron Water Company Tariff
*Liberty has been appointed temporary operator of these systems by orders of the New York State Public Service Commission.
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a four-year rate plan for Liberty beginning June 1, 2017.
Conservation Rate Structure
The approved four-year rate plan includes a conservation rate structure for our customers. The New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) has established a goal for all Long Island water suppliers to reduce water consumption by 15 percent to help ensure the long-term sustainability of our water source, the Long Island Aquifer. According to the conservation rate structure, the more water customers use, the more customers will pay per gallon. This rate structure encourages efficient use of water by our customers.
In order to maintain the long-term sustainability of the Long Island Aquifer and guarantee the provision of clean, high quality water service for Long Island residents, Liberty is encouraging all of its customers to consider conservation.
Key Drivers of the Rate Plan
The need for a rate change was driven primarily by the more than $130 million Liberty spent on replacing, rehabilitating and upgrading its treatment and distribution facilities after its last rate change was approved. These improvements helped to enhance water quality, service reliability and fire protection.
Upgrades included:
On January 1, 2021, Liberty sought Public Service Commission approval to delay implementation of Rate Year 4 rates until May 1, 2021, subject to a make-whole provision.
Per the Order issued December 30, 2020, all previously approved rate increases were postponed until May 1, 2021, at which time the rate increase went into effect. Liberty was granted a make-whole provision and a surcharge will be applied to customers’ bills May 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. For details on the May 1 rate increase click below.
May 1 rate increase details
For more information:
Applies to customers in the following districts: