CFPUA to consider 4.4% rate increase

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will consider raising rates next year for water and wastewater consumption by 4.4 percent. CFPUA spokesman Mike McGill says if the full CFPUA Board approves the proposal passed today by the authority’s finance committee, the new rate would increase the average customer’s bill about $2.70 per month.

McGill says the increase would address increasing expenses, including fuel, energy and chemicals, as well as declining water consumption.

The proposal affects the customer water and wastewater usage rates. McGill says it would increase each rate by a fraction of a penny per gallon. The proposal does not affect the fixed charges that make up about 40 percent of a customer’s bill and cover things like infrastructure maintenance and debt service.

The CFPUA will hold a public hearing about the rate increase proposal March 12 at 9 a.m. at the New Hanover County Government Center in the Lucie Harrell Conference Room.