Senator raises Keene water emergency as Union Pacific seeks large rate increases; CPUC says it will follow up
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Summary
Senator Grove told the committee that Keene, CA residents are facing sustained trucked water service and proposals that could raise monthly bills by orders of magnitude. CPUC officials said the matter is in litigation, they are coordinating with the Water Board, and will follow up with the committee.
Senator Grove raised an urgent constituent issue in the committee: residents of Keene, California have been relying on trucked potable water for roughly a decade after a pipeline was removed, and Union Pacific Railroad has filed for a steep rate increase and asked to abandon service in the area.
Grove said some community customers now paying about $300 a month could see bills near $2,000 monthly and that certain retirement communities faced bills moving from about $1,400 to nearly $6,000 per month. She told the committee that the State Water Board had allocated roughly $1.1–$1.2 million for well testing and a sustainable solution, and asked the CPUC what happens if the railroad is allowed to exit and the Water Board’s investments are left stranded.
President‑designee Reynolds said he could not comment on litigation specifics but emphasized the CPUC’s recognition of water as a human right and the agency’s interest in ensuring affordable, reliable service for small communities. Linda Serrazzella (Public Advocates Office) noted her staff was participating in local hearings in Keene on the same day and that the PAO is focused on protecting customers in small systems. Both officials committed to follow up with senators and to coordinate with the Water Board as appropriate.