WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island water authority says it has completed its investigations into hundreds of complaints about unexpectedly large bills.
The Kent County Water Authority said out of 556 investigations, just 17 bills were incorrect, WJAR-TV reported Friday.
Consumers had complained of October water bills doubling or tripling over what they normally paid and in one case, a bill increased by 455%.
The water authority said water utilites across the state have been experiencing higher bills due to extreme drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The data is clear, production was up, and the water was used. The problem is the antiquated billing software, manual walk by meter reading, and the quarterly billing which KCWA has been working to update for the last year and half,” said David Simmons, KCWA’s executive director.
Some lawmakers have called for greater oversight of the water authority.
Sen. Lou Raptakis, D-Coventry, has encouraged ratepayers to file complaints with the state Public Utilities Commission.
Rep. Joe McNamara, D-Warwick, has called for the state attorney general to investigate.
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