Virginia American Water Files Rate Request with State Corporation Commission

Virginia American Water today filed a general rate application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) requesting an overall increase in rates of $14.3 million.

“The company is requesting this increase based on $137.6 million in infrastructure investments from May 2020 through April 2023,” said Barry Suits, Virginia American Water president. “Through these investments we continue to upgrade our infrastructure and deliver high-quality water and wastewater service and fire protection to approximately 339,000 people in Alexandria, Dale City, Hopewell and the Northern Neck.”

Some of the company’s critical infrastructure projects in the rate request include:

• New intake, electrical and pumping structures and construction of an elevated tank that will allow for storage of an additional 2.5 million gallons of drinking water in Hopewell
• Replacement of 3,800 feet of 12-inch cast iron and asbestos water main, which was installed in the 1950s with 16-inch ductile iron pipe, improving water pressure for business and residential water service, as well as fire protection, in Alexandria
• Construction of 17,000 square foot Prince William Operations Center to increase operational efficiencies, decrease costs and provide needed training facilities
• Sewer main upgrades and improvements to the wastewater treatment plant in the Prince William District
• A new pump station in the Eastern District which will improve system resiliency

Virginia American Water’s investment into replacing or rehabilitating 36,968 feet of aging water mains across its service areas is also included in this rate request.

The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2021 Infrastructure Report Card gave the nation's drinking water systems a C- grade and wastewater systems a D+ grade. The grades underscore the urgent need for drinking water and wastewater utilities to make the necessary investments to improve resiliency and sustainability as they continue to deliver these essential services.

“Virginia American Water takes a proactive approach to infrastructure investment and increasing resiliency of our systems. Every day, we are working to support and improve the water infrastructure in the communities we serve. Our commitment to long-term, consistent investments in both our water and wastewater systems helps maintain the quality of service our customers expect and deserve,” said Suits.