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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE98-06

March 19, 1998

Contact: Cathy DelliCarpini (718/595-6600)

Agreement Reached on Refunds to Former Jamaica Water Supply Customers in Queens

In Floral Park today, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E. joined New York State Consumer Protection Board Chairman and Executive Director Timothy S. Carey, and Waterbill Watchdogs President Ray Howell in a ceremony marking an agreement to disperse more than $7 million in refunds to Jamaica Water Supply's former customers in Queens and Nassau.

As a result of the agreement, Jamaica Water's former Queens customers will receive direct and indirect refunds totaling about $3.5 million. These refunds are in addition to the roughly 40% rate reduction these customers have enjoyed since becoming part of the City's water system in May of 1996. A direct refund of approximately $30 will be credited to each eligible customer. In addition, approximately $750,000 will be returned to DEP in recognition of subsidies paid to Jamaica Water for a time period that extended past the sale of the Company's assets. These funds will help offset DEP's current revenue requirements and will, consequently, benefit all of the City's ratepayers.

Commissioner Miele said, "We are pleased to see that former Jamaica Water Supply customers in Queens will be receiving this refund in addition to the 40% rate reduction they have already enjoyed since becoming customers of DEP. On behalf of Mayor Giuliani, I would like to commend all of the community activists and the State, City and local government representatives who worked so diligently to bring this agreement to fruition." He added, "The addition of these customers into the City's water system in 1996 represented the final step in unifying all city residents under one water supplier with one rate structure. We remain dedicated to providing Queens residents, and all New Yorkers, with exceptional water quality and customer service now and in the years to come."

 

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