How Much Will This Private Sewer Really Cost?
One of the most common questions about the sewer is how much is it going to cost me? The answer to that question isn’t simple because the bottom line is that the cost keeps changing!
The Cost of the Hookup
What EU Estimates the Cost Will Be
EU’s original application began with an estimated hook-up fee of $12,000 plus other extra charges. Since then, they’ve increased the hook-up fee estimate to $15,587. Plus if you add in the “extras” they propose the cost will now be $19,646.92.
What Charlotte County Is Doing Right Now
The County recently published their future estimated construction cost on the mainland as $30,000 per hook-up, but the mainland residents only pay $11,500. That’s because the County is eligible for grants that offset the cost to the customer. Not to mention County customers also get low or no-cost loans to pay off the cost of the new sewer over the course of 20 years which may soon be extended to 40 years! Now, if the County thinks it’ll cost $30k on the mainland, why would EU think they can do it on a barrier island for less than $20k??
What’s More Realistic?
Our engineers and expert witnesses estimate the cost of a household sewer hook-up on the island to be $46,000. This figure accounts for our island’s unique challenges and includes several factors omitted from EU’s estimate. These factors include:
- Environmental permitting – Gopher tortoise surveys and relocation, Southwest Florida Water Management District permits, and DEP permits, etc
- Local permitting – Tree removal, crush-and-fill permits, engineering, surveying, and application fees, etc
- Barge fees – Electricians, plumbers, inspectors, landscaping, fill sand, etc
Additionally, some of EU’s estimates relied on outdated figures from their original proposal several years ago, failing to account for significant increases in material and construction costs.
What About Monthly Billing?
Our monthly fees will likely be the highest in the state! The base rate (as in, there is no one home using any water) is $109.29 with the added usage of $18.82 per 1000 gallons. EU estimates usage, at 2500 gal/month, costing $155. That’s not a lot of flushing or laundry.
What’s More Realistic?
The PSC has prepared a Rate Case summary for the hearing, and they used an estimated average usage of 6,000 gal/month. That’s $221.21/month for wastewater alone. Keep in mind, this doesn’t include your water bill.
Is That Rate High?
Yes. Charlotte County works with an affordability rate of no more than $113/mo for wastewater for all Charlotte County residents. EU’s base rate is almost that rate without even flushing a toilet.
Not Happy?
Wait ‘til we get to pay for the other “extras” not included in the hook-up fee. Things like installing a subpanel (equipment provided but not the electrician), an electric service upgrade if needed and plumbing to connect the tank to your house. (Learn more about what to expect for installation.) Did we mention a backup generator in a power outage?
More to be Unhappy About…
- When the project is completed, EU will establish a final rate based on the actual expenses.
- If there are cost overruns during the project, the PSC will have to allow EU to increase the hookup fee even higher.
- In addition, as a utility EU is guaranteed an 8% profit.
- Guaranteed cost coverage, guaranteed customers, guaranteed profit. Best business ever.
