Docket No. 2019-290-WS | PSC Order No. 2020-306
In October 2019, Blue Granite Water Company (BGWC) asked the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) for an increase in water and sewer rates. On April 9, 2020, the PSC made a decision on the requested increase. All rate increases are effective September 1, 2020. The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) is providing a summary of the impact on consumers (PDF).
About Blue Granite Water Company
BGWC provides multiple services including water supply, water distribution, sewer collection, and sewer treatment for:
- Over 17,000 water customers
- Over 13,000 sewer customers
- 140 subdivisions
- 16 counties in South Carolina
Summary
| BGWC Application | Order No. 2020-306* | |
| Revenue Requirement Increase | $11,731,803 | $4,958,848 |
| Total Revenue | <$35,587,875 | $28,733,986 |
| Return on Equity | 10.70% | 7.46% |
| Operating Margin | 12.26% | 10.54% |
| Increase % for Water – Territory 1 | 53.5% | 23% |
| Increase % for Water – Territory 2 | 34.9% | 12% |
| Increase % for Sewer | 55.7% | 24% |
*Following petitions for reconsideration of Order No. 2020-306, the PSC issued a directive on May 28, 2020 which revised the total revenue to $29,191,874 due to revised calculations while retaining the return on equity of 7.46%. A full written order from the PSC reflecting the revisions in the directive is pending. Once the full written order is available, the ORS will update the summary table as necessary. The PSC’s directive on May 28, 2020 can be found on the PSC’s website.
How Can Consumers Participate?
Although the participation period has ended, below is a summary of how consumers were able to engage in this case.
1. Fill out a Letter of Protest on the PSC’s website.
2. Attend Public Hearings and Testify
The Public Service Commission (PSC) held public hearings so consumers could let the Commissioners hear their concerns.
Town of Lexington Municipal Complex
Conference Center
111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072
Monday, January 27, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Irmo Municipal Building
7300 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063
Thursday, January 30, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Union City Hall
101 Sharpe Avenue, Union, SC 29379
Monday, February 3, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Anderson County Council Chambers (Cancelled)
101 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Greenville County Council Chambers
301 University Ridge, Suite 2400, Greenville, SC 29601
Thursday, February 13, 2020 | 6:00 PM
York County Council Chambers (Rescheduled)
6 South Congress Street, York, SC 29745
Thursday, February 20, 2020 | 6:00 PM
RESCHEDULED: Thursday, March 5, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Public Service Commission
Saluda Building Hearing Room
101 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
Thursday, February 27, 2020 | 6:00 PM