Water ratepayers need an independent watchdog
Two weeks ago, we got the news that our next water rate hike would be the smallest in 16 years. Hooray! Instead of being nickel-and-dimed to death by taxes on essential services, we’re only being penny-and-nickeled. Unlike a soda tax or a cigarette tax, one really can’t avoid paying the additional water fees. Many people are unfamiliar with the water pricing process in this city, so when the mayor proposes the latest water rate hike, some New Yorkers may be under the mistaken impression that it’s just a proposal. In reality, the mayor is making this recommendation to a water board that he appoints. Do you think there’s likely to be much dissention? You can bet that the water board hearings, which codify these rate hikes, will be sparsely attended because most New Yorkers correctly assume that their protests will make no difference! Is there a better way? Without question.
The Department of Environmental Protection and de Blasio administration say these hikes are necessary. Are they? Can we take a look at the numbers, the maintenance cost estimates and propose alternative revenue options? Currently, there’s no real methodology to do that – not in New York anyway. In Illinois, Oregon, San Diego and several other states and cities, there is a true watchdog on behalf of the ratepayers that has saved billions in proposed rate hikes, all at zero cost to either the taxpayers or the utility.
Imagine if when you received your utility bill, you also received an insert inviting you to join a voluntary, non-governmental, nonprofit watchdog group representing the ratepayers and giving you the option to pay $5 or $10 a month. Once 5,000- 6,000 people agreed to participate, the organization would become active, then elect its own officers, pass its own bylaws and serve as a true bulwark against utilities and regulatory authorities alike. They could file lawsuits when necessary, offer testimony before legislative bodies and make sure the public knew about the water board hearings and try to get a turnout.
Former Gov. Mario Cuomo sought to do exactly this before he left office, even issuing an executive order to make this a reality – which was unfortunately undone by his successor, George Pataki. Thus far, Gov. Andrew Cuomo hasn’t moved one iota in this direction nor has Mayor de Blasio, in spite of recommendations from the New York Public Interest Research Group and other good government groups to have some entity to look out for ratepayers. If the governor won’t act, then the state Legislature must. These annual rate hikes on essential services must end. New Yorkers have already been soaked to the max.