PUC Hearings Scheduled on Water Rate Increases : Utilities: The Antelope Valley company that serves about 1,200 homes and businesses plans an average hike of 73% over three years.

Antelope Valley Water Co. customers will have an opportunity to speak about the company’s plan to increase water rates an average of nearly 73% over three years.

The California Public Utilities Commission has scheduled four public hearings on the proposed rate hike by Antelope Valley Water Co., which serves about 1,200 homes and businesses in Leona Valley, Lake Hughes, Lancaster and the Fremont Valley in Kern County.

The state has suggested a rate hike of 34%, while the PUC’s independent Division of Ratepayer Advocates has suggested a plan that would mean an average increase of 19% for Antelope Valley Water Co. customers.

Chris Whitley, area manager for the water purveyor, said the increase would be the company’s first in a decade.

It would increase rates an average of nearly 73% in the four communities, all of which are charged different rates, served by Antelope Valley Water Co. Monthly service charges as well as water-use fees would rise.

The higher revenue the company would receive would be used, in part, to pay for the increasing cost of water, Whitley said.

It would also cover the cost of planned capital improvements, such as water pipe replacement and the drilling of new wells.

The first hearing is scheduled for noon Monday at council chambers in California City, 21000 Hacienda Blvd.

Another hearing is slated for 6 p.m. the same day at the Rio Mirada Motor Inn, 1651 West Ave. K, Lancaster.

Additional hearings are planned, one at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Lake Hughes Community Club and the other at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Leona Valley Community Building.

The Public Utilities Commission is not expected to make a decision on the proposed rate increase until next year.