"Wealthy people who invest their money through these investment firms have decided that these small rural water companies offer a great opportunity to make some money," Frederick said. "They want to squeeze more profits out of the cash flow."
First public hearing scheduled July 28 at the state Capitol Note: We know of at least one investor-owned water utility in the area that could use a good investigation . . . it is long overdue. If you agree, please let Senator Watson know your feelings.
Austin American-Statesman | By Asher Price June 30 2011 – A group of Texas senators, led by state Sen. Kirk Watson , D-Austin , will investigate water and sewage rate increases by investor-owned utilities affecting thousands of people across Texas, including those in subdivisions in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties. The decision to investigate rates comes after Monarch Utilities , a division of California-based SouthWest Water Co. , filed an application in late May to raise rates beginning Aug. 1 for water and wastewater customers.
Once the rate increase goes into effect, a typical Monarch customer could pay rates that are more than twice as high as those for the average water utility customer in a Texas city , according to Watson's office.
--
Posted By Blogger to The Hays County RoundUp at 7/01/2011 02:20:00 PM
