Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – Blue Granite Water, a privately held business formerly known as Carolina Water, has filed for a large rate increase with regulators. According to their request, they’d like to increase the rates they charge customers by as much as 56 percent.
In Blue Granite’s filing, they’ve asked for approximately 45 percent more from their water customers and 56 percent for those who use their sanitary sewer. The alarm regarding these hikes was raised by a watchdog agency called the Office of Regulatory Staff. The State Public Service Commission will consider their request sometime in the spring of 2020.
Many of Lexington County’s small neighborhoods and communities are serviced by Blue Granite. In the Blue Ridge Terrace neighborhood of South Congaree, one older couple said that the projected average increase of between $25 and $35 per month for water would really be tough, especially on people living on a fixed income. If they had sewer as well, they could see a jump of between $55 and $75 per month depending on their usage.
Once the PSC takes this up, there should be opportunities for customers to make their voices heard in regard to the rate hike. We will try and keep you informed of any information regarding hearings so you may attend if you wish.
