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CONTACT: Kyle DeVine              August 22, 1996   CPUC - 535
         213-897-4225                             (A.96-07-005)

    CPUC HOLDS HEARING ON SANTA CLARITA WATER RATE INCREASE

    The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has
scheduled a hearing to receive comments from the public on the
Santa Clarita Water Company (Santa Clarita) request to increase
rates by $2.6 million or 30 percent to cover increased
operating costs in 1997.  Additional increases of 8 percent in
1998 and 7 percent in 1999 are also requested.
    The hearing will be:
       Tuesday, September 3 at 7 p.m. in Canyon Country
Canyon High School - 19300 Nadal Street
    The meeting room is accessible to everyone.

    Santa Clarita serves 19,500 customers in the Santa Clarita
Valley.
    If the increase is approved, the residential customer who
uses the systemwide average of 3,000 cubic feet of water a
month will see a $9.73 increase in next year's monthly bill,
from the current $32.76 to $42.49.
    The Commission wants to hear from Santa Clarita customers.
Those who cannot attend the hearing may express their views by
writing the Public Advisor at 107 South Broadway, Room 5109,
Los Angeles, CA  90012 or by sending an E-Mail message
addressed to  Public.Advisor.la@cpuc.ca.gov

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