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California Water Service (CWT) Unit Receives Decision on 2012 Gen. Rate Case from CPUC

August 14, 2014 2:50 PM EDT

Today the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision on California Water Service Company's (Cal Water) 2012 General Rate Case, marking the end of a 25-month review process. Cal Water is the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT).

Because the decision approves a decreased sales forecast for 2014, partially offset by an increase in rates of approximately $45 million, it results in a decrease in gross revenue from customers. The lower sales forecast is a result of customer conservation since the last time rates were reviewed.

The decision also authorizes Cal Water to increase rates in 2015 and 2016, resulting in an operating revenue increase of approximately $10.0 million in both 2015 and 2016, subject to the CPUC's escalation procedures. It also allows Cal Water to increase rates by up to $19 million upon completion and approval of the company's advice letter capital projects.

In approving the decision, the Commission essentially adopted the Proposed Decision issued by the Administrative Law Judge in the case, which in turn approved the Settlement Agreement entered into on October 30, 2013 among Cal Water, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates of the CPUC, and other parties to the case. Details of the anticipated impact of the decision can be found in the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 2013.

New rates will become effective later this month. However, because the decision was to be effective Jan. 1, 2014, the decision also allows the company to place a surcharge on customer bills to recover the increase for the interim period. Surcharges will begin to appear on customer bills within sixty days and will be for one to three years.

The decision authorizes Cal Water to invest approximately $447 million over three years in infrastructure projects, such as wells, pumps, pipes, storage tanks, and water treatment facilities, in order to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its customers throughout the state.

"This rate increase enables us to recover prudently incurred costs and allows our stockholders a fair and reasonable return on their investment," said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and Chief Executive Officer. "But we never lose sight of the fact that we must provide reliable, high-quality water utility services as affordably as possible."

According to Kropelnicki, innovation and efficiency are more important than ever, given the fact that the costs of providing water service are rising across the nation. Assisting customers in need is also important, and this decision allows Cal Water to increase discounts to low-income customers and to customers residing in significantly smaller, higher-cost districts.

"We care about our customers, and we will continue to strive to enhance the quality of life in our communities," he said.

Cal Water is required by the CPUC to file a General Rate Case (GRC) every three years. During this process, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates thoroughly audits Cal Water's operations, expenses, and infrastructure improvements. Customers and other interested parties can participate in this process either formally or informally. The next GRC is scheduled to be filed in July 2015, with rates becoming effective in 2017.



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