The Maine Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing in Saco on Wednesday evening, soliciting feedback on the Maine Water Co.’s request to increase its revenue by about 30% next year.

The hearing will take place in Saco City Hall, beginning at 5 p.m. A sign language interpreter will be available.

People can also participate remotely, but they must register in advance by 5 p.m. Tuesday. Those interested in registering can email [email protected].

Members of the public will be able to offer comments and sworn testimony on the proposal, which regulators can refer to when evaluating the company’s request.

The company, Maine’s largest private water utility, has requested permission to increase rates across its 10 divisions. In the Biddeford and Saco division, the change would amount to a roughly 26% increase, about $11.32 per month for the average household. Rates in the Hartland division would increase about 61%, or $24.12 per month for the average home, according to filings with the commission.

If approved, the new rates would take effect in April 2027.

Water utilities across Maine have struggled to keep pace with the rising costs associated with parts, labor and system maintenance, prompting some to pursue double-digit percentage rate increases.