Liberty New York Water filed a rate request with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to adjust base distribution rates to help maintain the delivery of safe, reliable water while balancing customer affordability through responsible cost control. The PSC will review the request, and any rate changes would take effect only after Commission action.
“We understand the importance of balancing system safety and reliability with customer affordability,” said Deborah Franco, President, Liberty New York Water. “Our proposed investments represent what is necessary to maintain and improve our system, and we remain committed to managing expenses responsibly while continuing to provide safe, reliable service.”
The requested rates would support important infrastructure improvements, include new programs intended to benefit our customers and focus on affordability, and help address new requirements related to lead service lines and emerging contaminants.
Planned infrastructure upgrades include:
- Iron removal treatment
- PFAS/PFOA treatment
- Replacement of lead service lines
- Main replacements
Customer programs proposed include:
- An enhanced arrearage management program that would expand forgiveness of arrears balances to all eligible customers, rather than only income-eligible customers
- Liberty proposes to eliminate electronic payment transaction fees
In addition, the request reflects customer benefits associated with PFAS/PFOA settlement proceeds Liberty has actively pursued and property tax savings achieved through Liberty’s negotiations and tax appeal efforts.
The requested increase for an average residential customer in the areas of Long Island served by Liberty using 8,000 gallons of water per month would be $27.77, $26.89, and $21.20 in the Lynbrook, Sea Cliff, and Merrick systems respectively.
Liberty offers conservation programs to assist customers with using less water and lowering bills, as well as rebates for conservation tools. Learn more about available conservation programs here.