ALBANY – The State Public Service Commission (PSC) started gathering public comments Wednesday for the proposed changes in water delivery rates for Veolia Water New York as the company seeks to consolidate rates for customers in the former SUEZ Water New York, Inc. system.
The former SUEZ system included customers in Orange and Rockland counties, Owego-Nichols system, and the Heritage Hills system, and Veolia wants to consolidate rates for those customers and the continuation of the rate harmonization in rate districts in the former SUEZ Water Westchester system.
Veolia proposes to hike its delivery revenues in Orange and Rockland counties by $18.4 million and by $14.1 million in the Westchester district.
According to Viola, the request is necessary to fund $473 million of necessary improvements. The investment represents an average of approximately $4,000 per customer. If the PSC grants the request in full, the average residential water bill in Rockland and Orange counties would be adjusted by 19 cents per day or $5.64 per month, approximately 39 cents per day or $11.80 per month in Westchester, 51 cents per day or $15.60 per month in Tioga and 20 cents per day or $5.99 per month in Putnam.
But Joanna Dickey, an environmental educator, who lives in Rockland County is skeptical of the company’s environmental record – despite the gloss she claims it presents to the public.
“Veolia takes pride in being a leader in sustainability. It claims itself to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation. They talk a very good talk, they have impactful marketing videos and language on sustainability, with music and imagery that pull on our heartstrings to see how dire our human situation on this planet really is,” she said.
“But the tragic truth is that is all green-washing. Their corporate behavior is that their number one concern is dollars for their shareholders, not the health of the environment, not the health of the water they distribute to their customers, and certainly not the future of our planet,” she said.
Dickey maintained that the company failed to take a proactive approach to protect the reservoir and improve drinking water quality.
Dickey also questioned the matter of filtrations systems and if they would protect the public from harmful chemicals.
“What about toxic PFAS chemicals,” she asked? “Will the planned filtration systems filter out all of them? Why has taken them so many years to install the filtration? Has Veolia pursued federal funding for cleaning up the PFAS or are they going to rely on the Rockland ratepayers?”
Veolia company officials say their plan, which is on file with the PSC, will directly enhance water service for customers in the state. It will feature an innovative rate design and programs aimed at improving the affordability of essential water services.
“Veolia is the world’s leader in helping communities provide water to their people, with the highest
standards for water treatment, a demonstrated commitment to customer service, and a strong
emphasis on ensuring everyone has equitable access to water resources,” said Karine Rouge, CEO of
Veolia North America’s Municipal Water division. “We are devoted to this challenge here in New York,
and our investment plan is designed to meet those goals with the full dedication of all Veolia’s
resources.”
“When we plan necessary investments in our water system, affordability for all our customers is a
chief concern, and that’s reflected in the plan we have put forward. Water is an essential resource and
we must do our part to help those who need it most,” Rouge added.
More public hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, May 17.
