SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved a decision in the company’s general rate case for new water and wastewater rates for customers statewide.
The company’s rate request, which was filed in July 2016, will set rates through 2020. The decision approves approximately $103 million in capital investment in infrastructure replacements and improvements in 2018 and 2019.
“We are extremely proud of our significant level of system investment, combined with operational efficiency measures and innovative technologies, to ensure continued water quality, service reliability and fire protection for the more than 600,000 Californians who depend on us every day,” said Rich Svindland, President of California American Water. “This decision enables us to continue this important work on behalf of our customers, while balancing the cost impact for them.”
The decision approves a $10.3-million annual increase in authorized water and wastewater revenues for California American Water compared to previously authorized rates in the fall of 2016. The increase reflects savings generated by changes in federal tax law from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the 2018 Cost of Capital decision.
In addition, the CPUC approved the company’s request to waive the customer service fee required by state law for service payments made by credit card. The order also called for rate consolidation of several service areas in Northern California, an important step to ensure reliable water service for customers at an affordable price. California American Water was also authorized to continue its low-income ratepayer assistance program, which offers discounted water service to qualified residential water customers.
More information about the company’s rates can be found online at www.californiaamwater.com or call 1-888-237-1333, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
