SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will host two remote Public Forums regarding Great Oaks Water Company’s application to increase its revenue requirements and base rates, effective July 1, 2025. The application also seeks further revenue increases for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. This is an opportunity for the public to communicate directly with the CPUC about how Great Oaks’ proposal might affect them and to share any concerns regarding the service they receive from Great Oaks.
The schedule and location information for the remote/virtual Public Forums is as follows:
|
When |
Format |
Location |
|
October 22, 2024 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. |
Remote only |
– Webcast (to watch only): https://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/
-Phone: 800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788# |
What:
Every three years, the CPUC conducts a General Rate Case (GRC) for Class A water utilities. This process allows the CPUC to thoroughly review a water company’s revenues, expenses, quality of service, and other key factors to establish fair and reasonable rates. During a GRC, water companies submit a proposal for projected revenues over the next three years, based on forecasted expenses and necessary infrastructure investments. They must justify any proposed rate increases. The CPUC, along with other parties, reviews and comments on these requests through a public process.
How to Make Comment:
- Call In: Use the telephone number above to comment publicly during the remote Public Forums.
- Participants who wish to speak must press “star one,” unmute their phone, and record their name. This will alert the operator who will put the speakers into a queue and announce each speaker’s name one at a time when the speaker’s turn comes up. When it is time for public comment, the Administrative Law Judge will make an announcement through the telephone line for those who wish to speak.
- Send Us Your Written Comments: Submit your comments anytime, and read the comments of others, at: apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2407001.
Accommodations:
- To make a request for other language or accommodation at any of the Public Forums, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or call toll free 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the Public Forums.
Great Oaks Request:
Great Oaks says it wants to increase revenue to address rising operational and capital costs. The proposed revenue increases are as follows:
- 2025: $1.606 million (5.99%) above current revenues
- 2026: $2.152 million (7.58%) above proposed 2025 revenues
- 2027: $2.427 million (7.94%) above proposed 2026 revenues
These increases are based on forecasted operating and capital costs, along with projections of water sales and customer growth. The rate adjustments reflect the following key factors, according to Great Oaks:
- Groundwater Charges: An increase of $1,743,019 due to costs imposed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District for groundwater production.
- Payroll Expense: An increase of $133,413 to cover proposed payroll adjustments, which account for annual escalation, promotions with added responsibilities, and higher starting salaries for new hires.
- Purchased Power: An increase of $297,303 to accommodate rising electricity costs from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and the projected increase in water production for the 2025/2026 test year.
The CPUC welcomes attendance and comments at the remote Public Forums (formally called Public Participation Hearings), as public comments help the CPUC reach an informed decision.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend the remote Public Forums, no official action will be taken on this matter.
More Information:
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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