The state’s largest public water utility is seeking waivers from the Public Utilities Commission, including one that would allow its 11-member board of trustees to set water rates without PUC approval.

Only four people attended a public hearing held last week on the Portland Water District’s proposal, according to spokeswoman Michelle Clements. If the PUC grants the waivers, they will take effect in January. Ratepayers have until July 6 to file written comments.

The Portland Water District uses Sebago Lake to provide drinking water to nearly 52,000 customers in 11 Greater Portland communities.

Clements said the district is also seeking waivers so that it wouldn’t have to file accident reports and construction plans with the PUC. She said that would give trustees greater local control and would expedite business decisions.

Clements said it can take as long as six to nine months for the PUC to review and approve district water rate increases.

In its PUC waiver application, the district states: “The water rates charged by the district are just and reasonable. The rates are 18 percent below the national average and 14 percent below the state average.” The district says its “popularly elected trustees are most familiar with the district’s needs and can be more responsive to customer concerns.”

A typical district household of four people currently pays $28.45 a month for water, Clements said. The most recent rate increase took effect on May 1.

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