Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield has renewed his call for a city takeover of Tennessee American Water. And the same thing should come of it as has come from similar efforts in the past: nothing.
Area customers pay less than a penny for a gallon of good, clean water. Perhaps the fact that water is such a bargain is why those who want Tennessee American to sell to the city routinely cite the percentages — rather than the actual dollars — when the utility seeks a rate increase.
Tennessee American now is asking regulators for a 23-percent rate increase. Sounds shocking, right?
Not really. Even if the full increase were approved — which is highly unlikely — it would add only around $6 per month to the typical Chattanooga ratepayer’s bill. The average bill would be about $25 per month.
Most people with cell phones pay far more than that per month for service.