Heritage states that the proposed rate increase is necessary to cover the current and projected increases to operating expenses, including salaries and water testing. Heritage also requests authorization to (1) adopt a flat rate service that would result in customers being billed on a quarterly basis, (2) implement a return check charge, (3) modify the number of days of notice required for willful termination of service to 30 days, and (4) implement new restoration of service charges of $100 during normal business hours, $150 outside business hours on Monday through Friday, and $200 on weekends or holidays. Finally, Heritage seeks authorization to convert its tariff schedule, P.S.C. No. 1 – Water, which is currently in a paper format, to an electronic format. Heritage requests waiver of the newspaper publication requirements as it will notify customers directly by mail.

The full text of the proposal and the full record of the proceeding may be reviewed online at the Department of Public Service web page: www.dps.ny.gov. The Commission may adopt, reject or modify, in whole or in part, the action proposed and may resolve related matters.

Statements and analyses are not submitted with this notice because the proposed rule is within the definition contained in section 102(2)(a)(ii) of the State Administrative Procedure Act.

(22-W-0281SP1)