Bel Air Resident Testifies Against Rate Bill

House Bill 1164 has been proposed to blend water rates in Maryland.  The company which purchased the Bel Air water system, American Water, says this would enable them to lower rates.  Allegany County Administrator Jason Bennett tells WCBC News that the commissioners support the bill in an effort to help beleaguered water customers in Bel Air…

“American Water tells us that by doing this they could bring Bel Air’s citizens’ rates down by as much as 45%.  So, the commissioners, in running out of options and things to do to try to help the residents out there, supported the bill in hopes that it could get through and help them.”

However, Bel Air resident Larry Smith testified against the bill Tuesday afternoon…

“HB 1164 departs from the longstanding Maryland utility law by narrowing the discretion of the Maryland Public Service Commission to independently determine whether rate consolidation serves the public interest.  Maryland law requires that rates be just and reasonable, and that rate making decisions be supported by evidence.”