While privatization is often discussed as an option for public water systems owned by distressed municipalities, this decision can have a serious impact on the surrounding municipalities relying on these systems. There are several reasons to support privatization in certain cases, however, private utility ownership is one of the largest factors driving higher water bills for local communities, with recent studies finding that the typical household pays 59% more for water services from a privately held, for-profit utility rather than a publicly held utility.
 
As such, I believe protections must be in place to ensure that our residents impacted by privatization have a voice through their own elected municipal officials before their utilities are privatized and potentially become less affordable. That is why I will be reintroducing former House Bill 1423, which will require distressed municipalities seeking to privatize their water or wastewater systems to receive approval from 75% of the surrounding municipalities that are dependent on these systems.
 
This legislation will empower ratepayers and give residents the representation they deserve when municipalities are making decisions that could potentially impact utility costs. The General Assembly is obligated to protect all consumers and ensure that the interests of ratepayers are always put above corporate profits. With that in mind, I ask that you please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to protect the rights of ratepayers and give them a voice during this process.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0491: P.L.246, No.47