The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 16 that it will hold a series of public forums for customers of Suburban Water Systems to comment on the company’s proposed rate increase. The forums are scheduled for April 13, 14, and 15, with one virtual session and two in-person meetings in Walnut and Buena Park.
The issue is significant as Suburban Water Systems is seeking an approximate 40 percent revenue increase from 2027 to 2029. If approved, the average residential customer using 12 CCF (1 CCF equals 748 gallons) per month would see their monthly bill rise by $32.26 over three years. The increases would be phased in as follows: a 19.41 percent hike in 2027, followed by increases of 8.91 percent in 2028 and 8.15 percent in 2029.
According to the company’s application to the CPUC, the additional revenue would cover rising costs and fund replacement of aging infrastructure. Suburban Water Systems serves approximately 300,000 customers throughout Southern California.
The CPUC said it welcomes attendance and comments at these public forums, which are formally called Public Participation Hearings. “Public comments help the CPUC reach an informed decision,” the commission said in its announcement.
While a quorum of commissioners or their staff may attend the sessions, no official action will be taken during these events. Customers can participate by attending in person or calling into the virtual forum, as well as submitting written comments online through the proceeding’s Docket Card under the Public Comments tab.
Specialized accommodations such as non-English or American Sign Language interpreters are available upon request if arranged at least five business days before the forum date through the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office.
