A LETTER TO OUR CUSTOMERS FROM COMMISSIONER DAVID ATHERTON
Date Posted: Wednesday, February 7th, 2024Dear MSC Customer,
We know that our citizens need a voice in spending their hard-earned money. Our forefathers understood that local control of the utilities is far better than paying an investor-owned utility whose first concern is turning a profit. Local control ensures our common goal of reliability, quality customer service, and low cost.
- With the 16.8% inflation over the last 3 years, utilities will need to make rate adjustments.
- Even after our modest rate increase (average $5.71 a month), MSC currently has the second lowest residential rates in the state.
- On the other hand, our neighboring for-profit water utility filed for a 23.84% increase in water rates, far exceeding our rate increase.
The MSC rate consultant, Utility Financial Solutions, is a trusted industry professional who completes a comprehensive financial projection and rate design every year. We review their results carefully.
- MSC is always looking for efficiencies balanced with quality and reliability.
- MSC has applied for and received state and federal assistance for the installation and maintenance of many parts of the system.
- Most of our projects are completed in-house to ensure the cost and quality of installation.
- The MSC has worked hard and is successfully mitigating PFAS contamination and costs.
- MSC Staff is nationally recognized for its expertise and exhibits a can-do attitude for getting the job done for New Castle.
MSC…keeping the water and lights on since 1921.
David Atherton
Commission President
Municipal Services Commission