Mayor Says ALX Govt Fighting This Utility Rate Increase As Public Comment Deadline Loom

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Alexandria Mayor Aliya Gaskins said her government is fighting utility rate increases in cases before the State Corporation Commission, as the deadline for public comment on one of those increases approaches.

In a recent video, she highlighted Alexandria’s formal opposition to Virginia-American Water’s proposed rate hike of nearly 30 percent. That would represent a more than 260 percent increase in water rates for the city since 2022, she said.

Virginia-American filed its request for rate increases in November, asking to raise annual water service rates by more than 27 percent and wastewater service rates by more than 25 percent. The utility says that, as with its 2023 rate increase, the funds are needed for infrastructure investments.

Alexandria, the City of Hopewell and Prince George’s County are all actively contesting Virginia-American’s proposal.

The final deadline for public comment on the case is June 3. Public comment can be submitted through this portal. There will be a hearing on June 10 that members of the public may register to speak at through this link.

Comments can also be mailed to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, VA 23218-2118. Writers should reference Case No. PUR-2025-00185.