Bill > H0446

This bill requires municipal corporations to establish water and sewer service rates based on the actual cost of providing those services, ensuring that rates do not exceed the true expenses of supplying water or sewer disposal to inhabitants within a service area. The legislation mandates that rates must be equalized across the entire service area, preventing differential pricing for different users. Importantly, the bill creates an appeal process for ratepayers and property owners who believe the established rates are disproportionate: they can petition the Public Utility Commission for review within 90 days of rate setting, with the petition requiring signatures from at least five percent of affected ratepayers or property owners. The Public Utility Commission will then conduct a de novo review of the rates, with the authority to affirm, amend, order refunds, or authorize surcharges to recover lost revenues. The bill will supersede any conflicting local charter provisions or existing rate structures and will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing municipal corporations time to adjust their current rate-setting practices to comply with the new requirements.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.446