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South Kingstown council opposes proposed Veolia water-rate increase and invites residents to a PUC hearing

Town Council of South Kingstown · March 24, 2026

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Summary

Councilors passed a resolution opposing a large proposed water-rate increase from Veolia and will host a Public Utilities Commission hearing March 30 at Town Hall, urging residents to attend and comment on the possible wholesale/retail hikes.

The Town Council adopted a resolution on March 23 opposing proposed rate increases submitted by Veolia Water Rhode Island Inc., and staff said the town will publicize a Public Utilities Commission public hearing to allow residents to comment.

Public Works Director Rich Bourbonnais (staff) told the council the wholesale component of the filing includes roughly a 105% increase in the wholesale charge that would flow through to town customers served by the Veolia system. Councilors described the request as "exorbitant," noting a cited potential retail increase of roughly 55% would be a large near-term burden on ratepayers.

The council approved a motion directing staff to publicize the PUC hearing, host the session in the Town Hall chambers on March 30 at 6 p.m., and encourage residents to register to speak. Bourbonnais said the town will also engage an outside engineer (a consultant who previously reviewed Narragansett's filing) to analyze Veolia's rate study and prepare a technical critique for the hearing.

Council members urged residents to attend and told staff to amplify the message on social media and other town communication channels. The council's vote was unanimous on the resolution opposing the current filing.