Water rates likely to rise

The California Water Service Co. started a process this month that may lead to significant rate increases for its Chico and Hamilton City customers by 2014.

According to Cal Water, the company filed a general rate case this month with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the agency responsible for auditing the water provider’s operations and determining the rate. For the typical metered residential customer, Cal Water is seeking increases of 28.8 percent, 4.7 percent and 4.7 percent in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. That’s about $13 a month. Fees for flat-rate users would rise, too, by about $8.50 per month for typical customers on lots of 6,000 to 10,000 square feet.

The increases would pay for myriad infrastructure improvements, such as a new storage tank and replacement of water mains. Customers may give input to the CPUC on the proposed rate hike by emailing publicadvisor@cpuc.ca.gov.