The complaint, filed on January 3, 2017, requested a review of the rates charged by Bristol for water service to commercial and residential customers “to determine if fair and equitable rates are being levied to all parties” (Case 17-W-0049).  The complaint also raised issues that overlap with certain issues raised by Bristol’s May 23, 2017 rate filing, for an increase of $154,329, or 116 percent, in total operating revenues for water service, which would commence on October 1, 2017.  In its rate filing Bristol asserts the increase is needed to enable it to make necessary improvements, continue providing safe and reliable service, and earn a rate of return commensurate with other comparable water companies (Case 17-W-0293). On August 17, 2017, Bristol agreed to postpone the effective date of the rate filing to December 1, 2017 to allow additional time for Department of Public Service staff to complete its review. Bristol has an approximate 360 customer water system located in Bristol Harbour Village in the Town of South Bristol, Ontario County.

Disabled persons requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resources Management Office at (518) 474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Department at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this notice.

For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing, there are several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. Comments should refer to “Case 17-W-0049 and Case 17-W-0293 – Bristol Water.”

Via the Internet or Mail: Comments may be entered directly into the case file by locating the case via the home page of the Commission’s website, www.dps.ny.gov, by clicking on “Search” and entering 17-W-0049 or 17-W-0293 in the “Search by Case Number” field. A commenter should click on the “Post Comments” button located at the top of the page and leave the comment by completing the form to which he or she is then directed.

The public may also send comments electronically to the Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, at secretary@dps.ny.gov or by mail or delivery to Secretary Burgess at the New York State Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350.

Toll-Free Opinion Line: Individuals may choose to submit comments by calling the Commission’s Opinion Line at 1 800-335-2120. This line is set up to receive in-state calls 24 hours a day. These calls are not transcribed but a summary is provided to the administrative law judge who will report to the Commission.

Comments submitted via these alternative means are requested by September 6, 2017. Comments will become part of the record considered by the Commission. Written comments may be read on the website by searching Case 17-W-0049 or 17-W-0293 and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab.