SACRAMENTO, CA, April 10, 2015 -- The California Public Utilities Commission recently announced that it has approved new rates for California American Water (CAW) customers throughout the state.
The average revenue increase statewide is 1.2 percent in 2015 and will be approximately 2 percent each in 2016 and 2017. Customers will receive notifications of how this decision will impact their bills in the coming weeks as new rates are implemented. Some customers will see small rate decreases, while other will see modest increases.
The CPUC decision includes funding for over $126 million in infrastructure replacement and improvements over the next three years. Some of the major projects include:
- $4.5 million in the Sacramento District to enlarge critical piping to allow for more efficient water transmission
- $4.06 million in Monterey to replace over 20,000 feet of aging water mains
- $2.19 million to refurbish the Potrero water storage reservoir in the Ventura District, lengthening the life of the asset and improving water supply reliability
- $3.89 million to combine domestic and irrigation systems in Los Angeles
“This decision will allow us to continue making infrastructure investments to renew and improve the facilities that serve our customers," said Robert MacLean, CAW president. "It also maintains a robust budget for our conservation programs and services that will help support our customers' efforts to reduce water use during this historic drought."
The decision increases CAW's total annual revenue statewide from $203,933,000 to $206,415,000 and will have an average impact of 1.3 percent for residential customers around the state. Further, it also authorizes $5,950,302 in spending to continue a variety of conservation programs and rebates over the next three years.
Programs include offering low-flow showerhead and hose nozzles, sink aerators, leak-detection kits, and many other types of water-saving devices to all customers free of charge. The company also provides rebates for qualified water-efficient appliances like clothes washers and low-flow toilets as well as water-efficient landscaping.
CAW offers customers a free home or business water-use survey, where, upon request, the company will dispatch a conservation specialist to the customer's home to look for leaks and recommend other areas of water savings. These surveys can help people reduce their water use and water bills.
See also:
"CA American Water pilots new web-based, water-saving technology"
"WRRF selects CA American Water test slant well for national research project"
About California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water Works Company is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states, and parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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