Politics & Government
Lexington County Utility Asks for Rate Hike from SC Supreme Court
Carolina Water Service is asking the Supreme Court for a rate hike to reduce billing errors and upgrade facilities, according to The State.
Carolina Water Service, a utility that serves homes and businesses in Ballentine, Oak Grove and Lexington, is asking the state Supreme Court for a rate hike that was previously denied to the company for poor service, according to a report in The State.
The company claims that a rate hike rejection in 2011 is preventing them from reducing billing mistakes and upgrading facilites, according to the report. Customers have complained of errors in billing and poor water quality.
Officials with the state have recommended a $501,000 rate increase, according to The State. While the legal battle is underway, Carolina Water Service is allowed to collect the extra money from customers, which comes out to $1.03 to $3.45 more per month.
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The company has agreed to pay customers back with interest if they lose the battle, according to The State. They originally asked for a $2.2 million rate hike.
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