Settlement Proposed in West Virginia American Water General Rate Case
Settlement Proposed in West Virginia American Water General Rate Case
CHARLESTON, W.Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Public Service Commission (PSC) staff, Consumer Advocate Division (CAD) and West Virginia American Water announced a joint stipulation agreement today in the company's general rate proceedings. The settlement, which each of the parties believes to be a fair and reasonable resolution of the cases, will avoid the additional expense that would result from full litigation before the Commission.
"This agreement is based on extensive negotiations and substantial compromises by all parties as a way to expedite and simplify the resolution of this case," said Jeff McIntyre, President of West Virginia American Water. "We, along with the other parties involved, hope that the Commission will accept this stipulation as a fair and reasonable resolution with the best interest of our customers at its core."
The main driver in West Virginia American Water's request was the approximately $85 million of system improvements the company has made since 2009, which is the year on which customers' current rates are based. These capital investments, which include upgrades to the water distribution system, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, pumping stations and computer systems, are necessary to enhance customer service and maintain water quality, service reliability and fire protection for approximately one-third of the state's population served by West Virginia American Water.
If accepted as proposed, the average residential water bill based on 3,315 gallons would change from $39.11 to $41.88 and the average Fayetteville residential sewer bill would change from $35.78 to $40.92. The settlement recommends an $8.125 million annual water revenue increase for the company's water customers statewide, which is a seven percent increase, and a $337,412 annual sewer revenue increase for the company's wastewater system in Fayetteville, which would be a 14 percent increase if allocated as proposed.
As part of the compromise, the company has agreed not to file another general rate case for water or wastewater prior to Jan. 1, 2015.
The Commission has until Oct. 11, 2013 to rule on the case.
West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYS: AWK) , is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 550,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visitingwww.westvirginiaamwater.com.
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West Virginia American Water
Laura Jordan, External Affairs Manager
Office: 304-340-2089
Mobile: 304-932-7158
Laura.Jordan@amwater.com
www.westvirginiaamwater.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America West Virginia
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