Alexandria is in the midst of another water fight over a proposed rate increase by drinking water utility Virginia American Water.
The city is partnering with the City of Hopewell and Prince George County in arguing before the State Corporation Commission against a 27.6% rate increase, which Virginia American Water says will mean an average $11-per-month in extra charges. The utility filed the rate increase last November, and the city says it could have “devastating” consequences.
“We recognize that in these economic times, in these times of great uncertainty and unemployment, any increase is really hard for our families and our community right now,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in a recent video. “In this case, Virginia American Water is requesting a rate increase of over 25% for Alexandrians. This would represent a more than 260% increase for Alexandrians since 2022.”…