Water: our most precious natural resource.

Aquarion Water Rate Increase Proposal Information Page

This page is designed to keep residents of Hingham, Hull and North Cohasset informed of the water rate increase proposal.

The State Department of Public Utilities is currently reviewing a proposal by the Aquarion Water Company, which has requested an increase in their water rates beginning next year.  Under this proposal, water rates would increase 16.5 percent for residents of Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset.  The overall increase sought is 18.7 percent, however that includes the towns of Oxford and Millbury which are also served by Aquarion Water Company.  Rep. Bradley encourages residents to offer public input as the DPU considers the company's application.  The docket number to reference is 11- 43

DPU Contact Information:

Mark D. Marini, Secretary

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

One South Station, 2nd Floor

Boston MA 02110

Telephone 617-305-3500

Facsimile 617-345-9101

 

Carol Pieper, Hearing Officer

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

One South Station, 2nd Floor

Boston MA 02110

Telephone 617-305-3561

Facsimile 617-345-9103

Email carol.pieper@state.ma.us

Please note the following important information:

Procedural schedule and information: http://www.env.state.ma.us/dpu/docs/water/11-43/62911dpupnt.pdf

To view water rate documents, visit http://www.env.state.ma.us/dpu/frmDocketList.asp and type in docket # 11-43.

See the schedule of upcoming hearings at http://www.env.state.ma.us/dpu/frmConferenceRoom.asp

Aquarion web site: http://www.aquarion.com/index.cfm

Recent Updates:

Senator Hedlund and Representative Bradley recently filed legislation (S.2040) to amend Section 11E of M.G.L. Chapter 12, which would allow the Attorney General to intervene when a water company proposes rate changes. Currently the AG may intervene in matters involving electric, gas, generator, transmission, telephone and telegraph companies doing business in Massachusetts and subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Utilities or the Department of Telecommunications and Cable.

On June 28, 2011 a public hearing took place at Hingham Town Hall where residents, legislators and local officials expressed their concerns about the proposed water rate increase.

News Articles:

(links will open in a new browser window)

Patriot Ledger, July 18, 2011:  Hull residents complain about taste, smell of tap water; Aquarion official skeptical

Hingham Journal, June 30, 2011:  Hearing on proposed Aquarion water rate hike held

Patriot Ledger, June 29, 2011:  Aquarion ripped for seeking water-rate hike of 16.5 percent

Boston Globe, June 22, 2011: Aquarion hopes to increase water rates in Hingham and four other towns

Cohasset Mariner, May 23, 2011:  Aquarion seeking 18.7 percent water rate hike

 

 

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