SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will host two remote Public Forums regarding California Water Service Company’s (Cal Water) application to increase its revenue requirement and base rates, effective 2026. The application also seeks further revenue increases for 2027 and 2028. This is an opportunity for the public to communicate directly with the CPUC about how Cal Water’s proposal might affect them and to share any concerns regarding the service they receive from Cal Water.
The schedule and location information for the remote/virtual Public Forums is as follows:
|
When |
Format |
Location |
|
Jan 23, 2024 1 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/A2407003.
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.
Cal Water Request:
Cal Water says it is seeking to address rising operational and capital costs. The proposed revenue increases are as follows:
- 2026: $140,558,101 million (17.1%) above current revenues
- 2027: $74,162,564 million (7.7%) above proposed 2026 revenues
- 2028: $83,574,190 million (8.1%) above proposed 2027 revenues
The rate adjustments reflect the following key factors, according to Cal Water:
- This multi-year plan enables the utility to upgrade and modernize the water system through proactive infrastructure improvements designed to keep water reliable for customers, prevent small problems from getting bigger and more expensive to fix, increase sustainability, and provide high-quality service—both now and in the future.
- Some of the key projects Cal Water proposes in this cycle are to replace approximately 84,932 feet of aging water mains, install a new generator to keep the system reliable, and retrofit/upgrade water storage.
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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