HOULTON, Maine — Customers of the Houlton Water Company may see water rates on the rise starting Sept. 1, pending approval from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
The utility company announced Friday, June 28, that it was conducting a hike in water rates for the first time in five years.
“Since our last increase five years ago (2012), HWC has looked for ways to continue to streamline the functions of the water department,” explained Greg Sherman, general manager for the utility company. “In the last five years, we have, through attrition, reduced the maintenance staff to four individuals, entirely contracted dispatching services to the Houlton Police Department, reduced interest expenses and retired debt. Although we have taken several steps to decrease expenses, water consumption and revenue have also declined.”
Sherman also said the company has applied for and received funding from the Maine Municipal Bond Bank to paint an 800,000 gallon steel standpipe located on Reservoir Hill, which was last painted in 1992.
“This painting project will extend the life of the tank for another 25-30 years and will provide reliable and safe drinking water, as well as fire protection for the citizens of Houlton,” Sherman said.
The borrowing of funds for this project is another reason for the rate increase.
The water company proposes increasing the current rate of $33.75 per 1,200 cubic feet to $38.07 per 1,200 cubic feet. The average consumer uses about 6,236 cubic feet per quarter, Sherman said.
Currently, Houlton has one of the lowest water rates in the state, with only the water districts of Exeter ($20) and Orono-Veazie ($22.44) charging less for 1,200 cubic feet of usage. After the rate increase, 10 water districts will have lower rates.
