CRITICS OF A PROPOSED RATE INCREASE FOR WATER AND SEWER USAGE ALONG THE MONTEREY PENINSULA SAY THAT THE INCREASE WAS BASED ON INFLATED COST PROJECTIONS. THE PROPOSED INCREASE BY CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY IS ABOUT 27 PERCENT OVER 3 YEARS FOR WATER SERVICE, WHICH IS ABOUT 8 DOLLARS A MONTH FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER. THE DIVISION OF RATEPAYER ADVOCATES SAY THAT THE INCREASE IN RATES WOULDN’T FUND PIPE REPAIR OR SERVICE MAINTENANCE. THE COMPLAINT WILL BE HEARD BEFORE A JUDGE, WHOSE RULING WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION IN DECEMBER.
