Dear editor,
Golden State Water Company has notified customers in Culver City of a proposed rate increase of 20% for residential billings. It is my feeling that this request is outrageous and here is my response to the California Public Utilities Commission. I would urge Culver City residents to respond to the commission as well.
Cost of living increases have been nonexistent for retirees, as well as people lucky enough to have a job. Inflation is at about 2% per year. The water company has no right to seek a 20% increase in rates.
On May 2, Golden State Water Company filed a request for an increase in rates to satisfy investor returns. The company and its investors need to share in the economic downturn and expect to make less return on investment. This pie-in-the-sky wishing, cry-wolf-each-month-for-more-money must stop. I request that the utilities commission act as an advocate for the people in the Region 2 service area and deny any such outrageous increase in rates to Golden State Water Company.
Peter Stern,
Culver City
