It's time to Pay Attention - The Consolidation of Pennichuck's Corporations and the Rate Increase on Nashuans

On Thursday evening, the Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting for a Pennichuck Presentation. The agenda is posted on the City website, but unfortunately, there is no attached information to the agenda, and no public comment is accepted for this special meeting. This lack of public information is concerning and we need more transparency. (The important documents are hyperlinked to the underlined phrases)

I encourage folks to take a seat in the audience. Your presence is crucial at this important meeting. On September 3, 2024, Attorney Donald Kreis wrote a public advocacy article for InDepth, a watchdog news organization that covers stories around New Hampshire. This article was the first I heard of this developing situation.

Attorney Kreis cites a technical paper written by Michigan State University Professor Dr. Janice Beecher. The paper discusses the Pennichuck-Nashua partnership and the “Profit to Polity” model. It is a good read.

Pennichuck filed a Lawsuit with the Public Utility Commission on December 15, 2023, for “the Approval of a Consolidation of Pennichuck East Utility, Inc. and Pittsfield Aqueduct Company with Pennichuck Water Works," Inc.” The complete docket is linked above; Here is the link for those who might experience technical difficulties:

https://www.puc.nh.gov/Regulatory/Docketbk/2023/23-101.html

The City of Nashua has a Pennichuck Water Special Committee with Aldermen members Chairwoman Trish Klee, Mike O’Brien, Tyler Gouvieau, Melbourne Moran, and Ernie Jette. It operates as a standing committee of the BOA. There have only been three meetings this year,, and none of them address the lawsuit filed or the fee increase to residents' water bills for this consolidation.

It is time to pay attention. Listen, learn and ask questions of your Ward Alderpersons, At-Large members, and the Mayor. See you Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the meeting - City Hall, Second Floor.