AlexRenew Reduces Rate Increase Due To Pandemic

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria Renew Enterprises, which provides wastewater management service for the city, will implement a lower rate increase than planned. The previously-approved rate increase of 11 percent was reduced to 6.6 percent for the wastewater treatment service.

An AlexRenew news release said the increase is needed to address the RiverRenew construction project, which will remediate Alexandria's combined sewer system to address sewage flow into the Potomac River. The state-mandated remediation must be completed by July 1, 2025.

The rate increase takes effect on July 1. Customers will see an average month increase of less than $3, according to AlexRenew.

"We understand the impact COVID-19 has had on the lives of Alexandrians, and we have adapted to continue to serve our community 24/7/365 by keeping our community healthy through cleaner waterways," said AlexRenew CEO Karen Pallansch in a statement. "AlexRenew remains focused on fulfilling its vital mission to manage wastewater and improve the waterways that connect us."

RiverRenew is a multi-project plan with a tunnel project and other improvements. The new tunnel system will connect to the four combined sewer outfalls, collecting sewage and treating it before it goes into the Potomac River.

Three of the four RiverRenew projects are underway, and design is moving forward on the tunnel project. Last year, the Virginia General Assembly allocated $25 million to support the RiverRenew project.

The utility rate is part of an updated fiscal year 2021 budget adopted by AlexRenew on June 16. The revised budget included hiring and pay increase freezes for AlexRenew staff, deferring capital projects that aren't underway or part of RiverRenew, and reducing discretionary spending when possible.