Cape Fear Utility Rate Hike On The Way

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority board has approved a 14% rate hike that will kick in May 1st.

Board member and New Hanover County Commissioner Bill Caster says the Authority wanted to raise the rate last summer, but put it off in order to focus on fixing its billing problems.

Caster says water use and the number of new hook up are down, so the extra revenue from the rate increase is needed to protect the Authority's bond rating and provide funds for its current projects.

"We've got to get on with raising the money to do the work that's required, the capital improvement projects that are required. And where does it come from? It comes from rates."

The 14% rate hike translates to about $4.50 more a month for customers with a monthly usage of 2,500 gallons.

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