NYC Water Board Calls for 2.1 Percent Increase for 2017

The agency controlling water prices for New York City residents is recommending a 2.1 percent increase for next year, the lowest hike in 16 years.

The Department of Environmental Protection also recommends freezing the minimum charge at $1.27 per day for the more than 150,000 customers who use fewer than 100 gallons per day, which a quarter of all single-family homeowners do, many of them seniors.

If the proposal is approved, a typical single-family homeowner will see an increase from $1,055 a year to $1,078 for water and sewer bills — an increase of $1.85 per month.

A typical multi-family unit with metered billing will see an increase from $686 a year per unit to $700 — an increase of $1.20 a month.

The agency is also proposing a number of changes to help low-income customers. They want to expand an annual credit for homeowners who qualify for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program. Last year, the average credit was $116 and went to 51,700 homeowners. For the coming year, the value will be increased and will be extended to 68,000 additional homeowners.

This article appeared in print on page 65 of the April 13th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.