case #16-1284-PSD-19A

CASE NO. 16-1284-PSD-19A
COLFAX PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT, a public utility, Colfax, Marion county,
Rule 19A application to increase sewer rates and charges and request for emergency, interim rate relief.
NOTICE OF INTERIM RATE INCREASE
On September 19, 2016 Colfax Public Service District (District) filed with the Public Service Commission a Rule 19A application for a change in sewer rates required by the assessment of a $10,000 penalty by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) against the District. The penalty was assessed by DEP for violations of the District’s West Virginia/National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system permit. Specifically, the District was fined for its failure to properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control by diverting all flow to one of two extended aeration chambers because of a clarifier that was not operational and failure to submit a semi-annual progress report related to inflow and infiltration elimination programs. To qualify for the optional rate procedure for small utilities established by Rule 8.2 (Old Rule 19-A) of the Public Service commission rules for the Construction and Filing of Tariffs (Tariff Rules), 150 C.S.R. 2, the annual gross revenue of the utility must not exceed $1,000,000.
On the recommendation of Commission Staff, the Commission approved an interim rate increase of 18.66 percent, subject to refund, for the District effective for bills rendered on and after November 18, 2016. The specific rates approved are as follows:
(I) USAGE CHARGE (customers with metered water supply)
$11.52 per 1,000 gallons of water usage.
(I) MINIMUM CHARGE
No bill will be rendered for less than $23.04 per month
(I) FLAT RATE (customers with non-metered water supply)
Equivalent of 4,500 gallons of water usage $51.83 per month
If approved as a final rate, these rates would be in effect for one year only, in order to pay the DEP penalty. Then, the District’s rates would revert back to the current rates. This interim rate increase is applicable to all customers of the Colfax Public Service District.
The interim rates are subject to refund pending a final decision in this matter. Customers may review the specific interim rate changes at the District’s office.
Any person affect by the Staff-recommended changes in the rates and charges has the right to protest or to be heard as to why the changes should not be allowed, either wholly or in part. Anyone desiring to protest the Staff-recommended increase rates and charges must do so in writing, within ten days after the publication of this notice. All protests should be addressed to the Executive Secretary, public Service Commission of West Virginia, P.O. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323.
To help the commission determine the justification for additional review and investigation, protests must be specific as to the reasons that the changed rates and charges should not be approved. In addition, anyone desiring a hearing in this matter must demand a hearing in the letter of protest. If substantial protest is not received, the Commission may approve the Staff-recommened rates without hearing.
COLFAX SERVICE DISTRICT
TIMES: December 28, 2016