RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Palmetto Wastewater Reclamation, Inc. (PWR), will go before the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) on November 8 and 9 to ask for a flat rate increase of 13.7% for all customers.
PWR supplies sewer service to customers in Richland and Lexington counties and originally filed for the rate increase in July 2021. If approved, the average residential customer's monthly bill would increase by $5.20.
Consumers/customers of PWR can participate by filling out a letter of protest on the PSC's website at psc.sc.gov/consumer-info/file-complaint or by attending the hearing in person or virtually.
Public hearings are scheduled in person for 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Monday and start again at noon Tuesday and will stay in session as long as needed for customer input. If you are interested in testifying at any of the public sessions, you must sign up by 4 p.m. Friday, November 5 by calling (803) 896-5133 or emailing communications@psc.sc.gov.
- In person meetings are held in the Hearing Room at 101 Executive Center Drive in Columbia.
- Meetings will be live-streamed at scetv.org/live/public-service-commission
- or call in to listen at 1-855-797-9485. Enter the passcode 172 114 9132 when prompted.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has filed a petition on behalf of PWR customers to ask the PSC to deny the rate increase. A link to the petition can be found here.
PWR is a subsidiary of SouthWest Water Company. PWR's last rate increase was granted in 2019. You can learn more about the proposed rate increase at the Department of Regulatory Staff website.