Next week, Kentucky American Water customers will have the chance to comment on the utility's latest proposed rate increase.
The state Public Service Commission will hear public comments at its headquarters in Frankfort, located at 211 Sower Blvd., at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Kentucky American is asking the commission for a nearly 16% increase for residential customers, a 19.5% increase for commercial accounts and a 20% increase for industrial users.
The average residential customer uses about 4,000 gallons each month and now pays $51.60. If the full increase is approved, that would jump to nearly $60.
The new rates would become effective in mid-December. The utility says the increase is needed to support more than $100 million in water system investments.
Just last December, the PSC approved a rate increase to support more than $200 million in water treatment and distribution projects. The average bill increased $2 a month with that rate hike.
In August, Lexington filed a complaint with the PSC over Kentucky American’s construction projects throughout the city. Mayor Linda Gorton cited delays to commerce and traffic.
Gorton expressed concern construction-related costs would be passed on to customers.
Kentucky American declined a request by the mayor for a public meeting on the issues. In its response to the commission, it said Lexington projects were running on time.
