‘It’s insane’: Virginia American Water proposes nearly 30% rate increase for Hopewell, Prince George County

HOPEWELL, Va. — Virginia American Water Company is asking the State Corporation Commission to increase water rates by nearly 30%, a move that would affect residents and businesses in Hopewell and parts of Prince George County.

The average resident would pay an additional $11 on their monthly bill if the proposal is approved, the utility company says.

“We don’t have a choice. It’s either do it or figure out how to do it,” said Lou Bethea, a Hopewell resident.

Bethea said the increase comes as other costs continue to rise.

“The 30% increase on top of the electric already going up, it’s insane. Water shouldn’t go up that much at all,” Bethea said.

According to the VAWC, the rate increase reflects the cost of providing services and the company is investing $115 million in infrastructure improvements.

Hopewell City Manager Vincent Jones said the rate increase needs to be reasonable.

“Our residents have different circumstances. Of course it’s going to hit different families and individuals differently, but we want to make sure, like I said before, that it’s a reasonable increase because we don’t know people’s abilities to sustain these things,” Jones said.

Ashley Gorkiewicz, general manager at City Point Ice Cream and Burgers, said the business moved into a new bigger building three months ago that uses more water.

“Our bill has increased even just from that, and then seeing the 30% increase it’s going to be hard just for us as a small business to kind of keep up,” Gorkiewicz said.

Virginia American Water said the company has grants customers can apply through their “H20 Help to Others Program” to get assistance paying their bill.

Hopewell and Prince George County officials are urging residents to voice their concerns to the State Corporation Commission.

“We want our residents to participate in this process. And the reason we’re doing that is we understand that the State Corporation Commission will certainly will put a significant amount of weight on our residents who are customers who will be impacted directly by this fee,” Jones said.

Residents have until June 3 to submit comments to the State Corporation Commission or to sign up for the public hearing on June 10 in Richmond at 10 a.m.

Submit comments to the SCC by clicking here. Register for the public hearing by clicking here.