Halifax Regional Water Commission is asking for another rate hike – this time about 11.7 per cent.
If approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, customers will notice an extra $5.17 on their bills each month starting on June 1, 2012.
HRWC asked for 40 per cent this time last year but received approval for a 27 per cent increase for residential users. It kicked in Jan. 1, 2011.
Last year, board members were not happy with the utility’s handling of its application, taking issue what they called “poor quality of evidence” provided by HRWC. The UARB warned a future application with “similar deficiencies” will be rejected outright.
HRWC said they face a number of challenges that require a bump in rates including the full operating and maintenance costs of Harbour Solutions, declining consumption, upgrading to new regulations, and a “significant infrastructure deficit.”
“Customer rates must be adjusted to enable Halifax Water to continue to provide the existing level of service and make increased investment in infrastructure renewal and rehabilitation,” said Cathie O’Toole, with HRWC.
According to the HRWC, even with the rate increase, Halifax customers would still be paying one of the lowest costs for water, wastewater and stormwater services in the country.
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