Maryland American Water Receives Rate Order that Supports Bel Air’s Water Supply

BEL AIR, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a settlement agreement between Maryland American Water, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and PSC Staff for new water rates for customers in the Town of Bel Air and parts of Harford County.

Maryland American Water’s rate request, which was filed with the PSC on June 28, 2018, was driven by the $15.4 million investment the company made to construct a 90 million gallon raw water impoundment (reservoir) and new intake since the company’s last rate increase in 2015. The impoundment, located on the historic Mt. Soma site – land Maryland American Water purchased in 2015 – is now in service. The new impoundment was needed as the water supply from Winters Run was not sufficient at times to meet all demands. The new impoundment will now ensure a safe and reliable water supply for Maryland American Water customers.

“We appreciate the transparent and thorough PSC review process and the opportunity for the public to provide input,” said Barry Suits, president, Maryland American Water. “As the company provided a long-term solution to secure water for the Bel Air community, Maryland American Water remains committed to continuing a high level of service to our customers. Even with the rate increase approved by the PSC, our water services remain a remarkable value.”

The new rates represent a $1.45 million annual increase in revenues for Maryland American Water, effective Feb. 5, 2019. The cost of high-quality, reliable, 24-hour water service for the company’s customers remains about a penny per gallon – among the lowest of household bills. The approximate bill for an average residential water customer using 3,700 gallons of water per month will be $53.75, an increase of $12.08 per month, or $0.40 per day, from current bills.

Maryland American Water offers low-income customers alternate payment options through installment agreements and in 2018, began to participate in the H2O Help to Others Program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund. The program offers grants of up to $110 per year for customers who qualify. For more information about the program and qualification requirements, customers can contact Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816.

More information about Maryland American Water’s rates can be found online at www.marylandamwater.com (under the Customer Service & Billing menu, select Your Water Rates) or call the company’s customer service center at 866-641-2131, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Maryland American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 14,200 people.

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing.