Water Rates to Remain Stable

A recently approved rate hike for the Middlesex Water Company doesn’t necessarily mean a water rate increase locally.

“Even though Middlesex Water wanted a water rate increase from the BPU, we’re in good enough shape in East Brunswick that we don’t have to turn around to our residents and say ‘you have to pay more,’ ” said Mayor David Stahl.

The Board of Public Utilities approved a 12.7 percent increase for Middlesex Water customers, far below the 17.47 percent increase originally proposed by the company. The private Middlesex Water Company supplies the East Brunswick Water Utility, which supplies East Brunswick residents.

East Brunswick was one of the lead towns fighting against the proposed increase.

But Mayor Stahl said that the township water utility would be able to absorb the increase without passing the cost on to users because of the department’s surplus.

“We never like rate increases, particularly at this time, “he said. “The way our utilities are structured, just because our rates are raised doesn’t mean we’re going to raise them on everybody.”

Middlesex Water is justifying the increase on a continued capital improvements plan and an increase in treatment, fuel, electricity, labor, benefits and other operations and maintenance expenses, according to Market Watch.

In East Brunswick, customers pay between $3 and $3.45 per 1,000 gallons of water used. The rate varies according to usage.

“Historically, East Brunswick water rates have been among the lowest in Middlesex County,” said Mayor Stahl.