Bel Air commissioners express concern about proposed Maryland American water rate changes

At the Aug. 18 meeting commissioners discussed recent filings by Maryland American Water proposing changes to rates and a possible tiered rate structure that would raise costs for higher‑volume users. Commissioners praised Director Klein’s work compiling information and said the board should prepare questions for Maryland American and the Maryland Public Service Commission. One commissioner said she opposed a tiered rate system and questioned whether the town had a consumption problem that tiering would address; another commissioner noted the company sought an increase in gross revenue that staff characterized as about $2.8 million on a base of roughly $6 million, an increase commissioners described as substantial. Why it matters: A significant rate increase or a tiered structure could materially affect household and business water bills. Commissioners said they will review filings, ask detailed questions about the justification for proposed increases and how different household sizes would be affected. Board members compared local bills to other jurisdictions and asked staff to assemble data for discussions with the utility and the Public Service Commission. No formal action or vote was taken; commissioners said they will bring questions and coordinate efforts to review the rate filing at an upcoming work session or meeting. The discussion noted the substantial caseload at the Public Service Commission and that the commission typically processes many filings; commissioners signaled intent to engage in the regulatory review process to represent local concerns.