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For Immediate Release: 12/13/2018
John B. Rhodes, Chair
Contact: James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
18108/17-M-0815; 18-W-0554; 16-W-0259
December 13, 2018
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PSC Approves $7.2 Million for New York American Water Customers120,000 Water Company Customers Will Obtain Bill Credits, Other Benefits Announced by Governor Cuomo |
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ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved $7.2 million in credits and other financial benefits for New York American Water Company, Inc. customers, a decision consistent with the agreement announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on August 18, 2018 that lowered bills and provided other benefits for the company's 120,000 customers on Long Island.
“Today’s decisions provide accelerated rate relief to all New York American Water customers and tracks the announcement by Governor Cuomo in August,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “This is a fair and equitable decision to ensure just and reasonable rates for the company’s customers on Long island.”
The Commission’s action included approving the allocation and disposition of property tax refunds to customers and accelerating the disposition of customer credits relating to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), net of the revenue adjustment clause and property tax reconciliation surcharge balance, totaling $6.2 million. In addition, the company will contribute $1.01 million to fund a conservation study and rebate program for the benefit of customers.
The settlement announced earlier this year by Governor Cuomo provided for accelerated rate relief to all customers, and the suspension of a conservation rate in the South Shore area that surprised many customers due to the company's insufficient advance notice of rate changes. The settlement also addressed the Commission’s earlier findings that the company improperly withheld information related to property tax assessments in its Sea Cliff district, which resulted in artificially-high water rates, and will require the company to pay for an independent monitor to oversee complaint handling, and the implementation of new internal controls. Should the independent monitor identify additional violations, they will be brought to the Commission quickly for additional remedies.
These customer benefits approved today are in addition to October rate reductions related to current TCJA savings and refunds/rate reductions related to the suspension of the highest rate tier in Lynbrook service district, for usage over 15,000 gallons per month. Also, the company will offer the Village of Sea Cliff $1 million toward the sale of Sea Cliff property to the village and credit the proceeds from the property, including the $1 million that the company contributed, back to Sea Cliff customers. If the sale does not occur by the end of 2019, the company will pay $1 million to customers in the Sea Cliff district.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Numbers 17-M-0815, 18-W-0554 or 16-W-0259 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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