NC AG against periodic rate increases proposed by Aqua NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's attorney general has filed his findings in his investigation of a proposed rate increase for Aqua North Carolina customers.

Roy Cooper said he's against periodic rate increases by Aqua.

The company wants to raise rates by 19 percent, which is an average of $10 more a month.

Aqua also wants permission from the state to raise rates periodically without getting the state's approval.

In a filing released Wednesday, Cooper said this would result in expedited rate increases for Aqua customers and is not in the public interest and should not be approved by the commission.

A spokesperson for the Utilities Commission said it will consider comments made at public hearings before deciding whether Aqua can raise its rates. That decision could come in the next few weeks.

WSOC