A Utility Review Board hearing into proposed rate changes by the Annapolis County Water Utility will be held April 4 at 11 a.m. at the Annapolis Royal Fire Hall. The hearing is open to anyone.
The proposed changes to rates and charges could increase flat rate charges by 11 per cent in the first year with smaller increases in the subsequent two years.
Metered residential customers could expect smaller rate increases – 1.3 per cent in the first year, 2.5 per cent in the second year, and 2 per cent in the third year. Some other metered services could rise by more than 18 per cent.
Water the county sells to the Town of Annapolis Royal could end up costing as much as 225 per cent more in the first year – a hike from the current $6,599 quarterly charge to $21,463 in the first year with smaller increases after that.
Anyone wishing to make comments may do so at the hearing or by forwarding a letter to the Clerk of the Board at P. O. Box 1692, Unit “M”, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3, or by email at: board@gov.ns.ca, or by fax (902) 424-3919.
Anyone wishing to have formal standing to present evidence or cross-examine witnesses should file their intention with the board by no later than Friday, March 8 and a copy of their written evidence by no later than Wednesday, March 20.
A copy of the application may be viewed on the board’s website at www.nsuarb.ca, Matter No. M05471; and at the office of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis at 752 George Street, Annapolis Royal, NS.
