RE: CASE 23-W-0235 LIBERTY NYW RATES

Hon. Michelle L. Phillips
Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission
Three Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223-1350

To members of the New York State Public Service Commission:

I am writing in addition to my comments submitted on September 9, 2023 to urge you to reject the proposed rate increases by Liberty Utilities (New York Water) Corp. impacting Service Area 1, which includes portions of the 22nd Assembly District in North Woodmere and Valley Stream. My constituents who Liberty Water serves have already faced exorbitant costs for their water service compared to constituents who are served by public water utilities. This rate increase proposal, submitted on May 31, 2024, would enact up to a 45% increase for ratepayers over a three-year period, which has no reasonable justification even with recent increases in costs due to inflation.

The proposed rate hikes would only be to Liberty Water’s financial benefit and cause detriments to all Liberty ratepayers. Increasing water rates at such a large scale and rapid pace would force ratepayers to pay excessively more with each coming year as though water is a luxury, rather than a basic human necessity. This rate increase proposal should not move forward while Liberty Water is under consideration for municipalization from the South Nassau Water Authority.

Considering these factors, I request that the Public Service Commission reject Liberty Water’s current rate proposal in the best interests of the hardworking ratepayers of Nassau County.

Sincerely,

Honorable Michaelle C. Solages
New York State Assemblymember
Twenty-second Assembly District