Why Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages urges residents to say 'no' to water rate hike

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, along with several community advocates gathered in Valley Stream to urge the state Department of Public Service to deny Liberty Utilities’ petition for a 35 percent increase of New York’s water rate.

Representation from the Long Island Progressive Coalition, the Nassau County Working Families Party, AARP, and Valley Stream community members attended a June 29 rally to show their disapproval of the rate increase.

In 2022 Liberty Utilities purchased New York American Water Co. for $608 million dollars mainly affecting Nassau County residents, which make up 98 percent of their customers. Liberty Utilities is petitioning the New York State Public Service Commission for a 34.5 percent water rate increase.

Liberty New York Water’s president Debbie Franco stated, “Maintaining safe, reliable, and cost-effective water service and providing a positive customer experience are among our top priorities. Our rate request reflects a balance of these priorities.”

Community members seem to feel differently, mostly concerned with how the rate increase will affect low-income households already struggling to pay  the bills they currently have.

“New Yorkers across the state are feeling the continued and devastating impacts of austerity and the ever-rising cost of living, which is pushing out working class people.” said Nia Adams, a representative from the Nassau County Working Families Party. Any utility rate increase would be detrimental to the low-income households in Nassau County, forcing them to struggle affording a personal necessity.

The Executive Director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition Lisa Tyson attended the rally calling for New York to step away from private utility companies.

“Liberty, you cannot raise rates now, people are already suffering.” she said. “Can you imagine if your water and electricity shut off? Your family cannot live in a house without these things.”

Community members of Valley Stream showed their support for this cause by giving local testimonies.

“Water is essential, and it is absolutely deplorable that our community members have to choose between paying for their medication or their utilities,” Valley Stream community member Charlene Ali said.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages is determined to support the community bring attention to the affordability crisis in Nassau County.

“Today, we first call for no rate increases, whether its gas or water, you know, Liberty water is trying to increase rates by 34 percent, Solages said. “We say no. Second, we call on the governor to sign several pieces of utility reform legislation that was passed in Albany this session.”

Solages asks community members to leave a public comment on the Public Service Commissions website, whether you’re for or against the rate increase.

“It’s so essential as New Yorkers that we are vocal in the process of government,” she said.

Have an opinion on this article? Send an email to jlasso@liherald.com.