LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, the Arkansas Public Service Commission held a hearing to discuss the possible rate increase scheduled to begin for Summit Utilities customers next month.
The utility company has been working to figure out a deal to help cover the costs of rising gas prices, but it has been put on pause so others can weigh in on the proposal.
It's a process that we told Arkansans about earlier this month, and now it could soon turn into reality.
Commissioners heard from both public and Summit Utilities officials about why they think the increase could be harmful or helpful for people in the community.
Little Rock resident, Osyrus Bolly, explained how this increase is not in the best interest of the community and that it hurts working-class individuals even more.
"This increase will push countless residents into financial hardship, forcing them to choose between keeping their homes warm or putting food on the table. The people of Arkansas deserve transparency and fairness in this process," Bolly described.
However, one spokesperson for Summit said that the rate increase is necessary, as the money will go back into updating the company's infrastructure.
"We have an obligation to serve. We have an obligation to make safety and reliability investments; We will continue to invest in making the system safe and secure by replacing old pipes and by implementing systems that are effectively in our rate base today," they said.
The commissioners did address several questions they had about Summit Utilities and how they will provide resources to customers if this is approved and about the level of transparency people can expect as the rate is implemented.
Arkansas Public Service Commissioners did not make a decision on Wednesday but will be hosting another public hearing on Thursday.