Allendale officials call Veolia’s summer rate increase "unacceptable," plan appeals to BPU

Several council members raised concerns at the Dec. 19 meeting about residents’ water bills and recent Veolia rate adjustments, saying the borough has taken steps to seek redress.

A council member told the meeting the borough held a Zoom with Veolia about easements and related matters and that the borough is continuing conversations with residents who have complained about high bills. The same member said the borough has engaged the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the ratepayer advocate and a special attorney and described what the borough believes was an "unacceptable" summer rate increase by Veolia.

Why it matters: Utilities decisions and rate increases affect household bills and municipal advocacy can influence regulator outcomes. Council members said they will press the BPU and other advocates in 2025 to address the issue on residents’ behalf.

What was said: the meeting record includes the phrase that what the borough "believe[s] Veolia did ... was an unacceptable 12.5% 225% rate increase" during the summer; the transcript presents both "12.5%" and "225%" in series, creating an internal inconsistency in the spoken record. The borough said it will continue to work with the BPU, the ratepayer advocate and its special attorney to seek changes next year.

Next steps: Council members said they will continue advocacy with the BPU and the ratepayer advocate and will attempt to resolve billing and easement matters raised by residents.