Louisville mayor asks water company to lower proposed rate increase

Says efficiencies can be found

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2013) — Saying he believes that Louisville Water Co. can find efficiencies and cut costs, Mayor Greg Fischer on Friday asked the utility to reduce its planned rate increase.

The Board of Water Works has been considering raising customer bills by up to 5 percent for the upcoming year, which starts Jan. 1.

“My message to the water company consistently has been not to rely on automatic price increases to make its budget balance,” Fisher said. “The water company and its board have a great record of quality and performance and I’m confident they can find further savings.”

Fischer said he understands the need to increase water bills, in part because of lower water usage in Louisville, but rate increases should be kept at a minimum. He believes that can be achieved while also paying city government its annual dividend.

The citizens of Louisville own 100 percent of the water company and the board, appointed by the Mayor, meets in November to consider the increase.

“I’m asking the board to limit the increase to less than 4 percent,” Fischer said. “I am confident the leadership team can find ways to cuts costs and become more efficient.”