South Kingstown to oppose Veolia's 105% reseller filing; council plans resolution and PUC testimony

Public Services Director Rich (speaker 3) told the council that Veolia has filed with the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) seeking a large increase in the price it charges wholesale/resale customers — a request the presentation characterized as roughly a 105% increase in the reseller component. Rich said the town will attend the Narragansett public meeting on March 30 and will be prepared to contest the request.

The town modeling shown at the session illustrated options to phase in rate changes for South Kingstown water customers if the PUC approves the increase: a smoothed scenario would raise the base quarterly charge from about $55 to roughly $68 in the first phase and to about $75 in a later year, with tiered usage charges also rising. Administration said it would prefer phasing increases and using capital reserves only as a last resort rather than impose a single, large rate spike on residents.

Council members pushed for aggressive outreach and said they expect the town solicitor, engineers and town representatives to present at the PUC hearing. Council leadership asked the manager’s office to prepare a resolution opposing Veolia’s filing and to work with neighboring Narragansett on a joint approach. Officials also noted that customers may attend the PUC public meeting to offer comment.

Next steps: the town plans to send legal and technical testimony to the PUC, post hearing information for residents, and present a draft resolution for council consideration before the hearing so the town has an official position to deliver at the PUC proceeding.