WATER/RSK/BMD/PTL/AAS/jlj
DIVISION OF WATER AND AUDITS RESOLUTION NO. W-4893
Water and Sewer Advisory Branch November 10, 2011
R E S O L U T I O N
(RES. W-4893), MEADOW VALLEY WATER WORKS (MEADOW).
ORDER AUTHORIZING A GENERAL RATE INCREASE (GRC), PRODUCING ADDITIONAL ANNUAL REVENUE OF $2,821 OR 98.8% FOR TEST YEAR (TY) 2011 AND $1,329 OR 23.4% FOR ESCALATION YEAR 2012.
SUMMARY
By Advice Letter (AL) 15 filed on May 19, 2011, Meadow seeks to increase its rates for water service to recover operating expenses. For TY 2011, this Resolution orders an increase in gross revenues of $2,821 or 98.8%. For escalation year 2012, this resolution orders an increase in gross revenues of $1,329 or 23.4%. These revenue increases are estimated to provide a total Rate of Margin of 24.89% over a two-year period. The rate schedules to implement the 2011 increase and the escalation increase for year 2012 are set forth in Appendix B.
BACKGROUND
Meadow, a Class D water utility, has requested authority under Rule 7.6.2 of General Order 96-B, and Water Industry Rule 7.3.3(5), and Section 454 of the Public Utilities Code to increase its rates by $4,588 or 161% over current rates for TY 2011. The purpose of the rate increase is to recover increased operating expenses and to provide an adequate rate of return. Meadow is currently operating at a loss.
Meadow's present rates were established by a Consumer Price Index increase per AL-13 on June 14, 2010. The last GRC became effective on March 24, 1993, pursuant to Res.
W-3763, which granted an increase in revenues of $963 or 23.6% for TY 1992.
Meadow is owned and operated by Robert Forbes. Meadow's service area is located approximately eight miles west of Quincy, California in Plumas County. The water supply is derived from Big Creek. Meadow has a right-of-way at the side of the creek through which water is delivered into Jack's Ditch and then diverted to customers through a series of water gates. The water gates have openings which are sized in Miner's Inches 1.
Meadow currently has 10 residential customers and five irrigation customers.
NOTICE, PROTESTS, AND PUBLIC MEETING
AL 15 was filed in accordance with General Order 96-B on May 19, 2011. A notice of the proposed rate increase was mailed to Meadow's general service list and each customer on May 19, 2011.
A public meeting was held on June 20, 2011, at Meadow Valley Community Center, Meadow Valley, California. Two people attended the meeting. The Division of Water and Audits (Division) staff explained the process of the rate increase at the Commission while Meadow's representative reviewed the rate request.
One letter was received requesting a shut-off connection to the ditch. Meadow has done that. Another letter was received asking for consideration of the fixed income households. Meadow has explained its situation in which serving only ten residents does not allow for such accommodation.
In setting rates in this resolution, we have balanced the financial requirements of Meadow with the rate concerns of its customers.
DISCUSSION
Division staff made an independent analysis of Meadow's operations. To mitigate the impact and lessen rate shock that Meadow's 161% increase request may have on its customers, Meadow agreed to phase in its revenues over a two-year period. Appendix A shows Meadow's and the Division's estimated summary of earnings at present, proposed, and recommended rates for TY 2011 and for escalation year 2012. Meadow is in agreement with the Division's recommended revenue requirement and the rates shown in Appendix B.
The Division staff reviewed Meadow's operating revenues and expenses including employee labor, contract work, transportation expenses, office salaries, office supplies and expenses, insurance, and taxes other than income. The Division verified the operating expenses by reviewing annual reports, and supporting documents for substantiation and accuracy, and included the amounts that were deemed reasonable.
Meadow, at 15 service connections for TY 2011, is a Class D water utility for rate-making purposes. There are two methods available for the Division to utilize in the rate-making process: (1) Rate of Return and (2) Rate of Margin. The Division's Utility Audit, Finance and Compliance Branch currently recommends a Rate of Margin of 24.89% and a Rate of Return from 12.00% to 13.00% for TY 2011 for a Class D, 100% equity-financed utility.
Meadow has requested a revenue increase of $4,588, or 161% from its present revenue of $2,854 which would yield revenue of $7,442 for TY 2011. To mitigate the impact that this increase may have on its customers, Meadow agreed to phase-in its revenues over a period of two years from 2011 through 2012 instead of one year as it originally proposed. To lessen customer rate shock and fulfill the intent of a gradual increase, Meadow should not request recovery of a CPI increase for years 2011 and 2012.
Per Decision 92-03-093, dated March 31, 1992, the Division must recommend the method that produces the higher revenues. The Division found that using the Rate of Margin of 1.4% would produce $5,675 for TY 2011, which is higher than the $0 calculated using the Rate of Return on rate base method. The Rate of Margin of 24.89% method to be earned by escalation year 2012 results in revenue of $7,004. Therefore, Division recommends using the Rate of Margin method.
Meadow's current rate structure consists of two schedules: Nos. 2U, General Flat Rate Service - Untreated Water and 3M, Measured Irrigation Service.
At the Division's recommended rates, the increases in revenues will be $2,821 or 98.8% for TY 2011, and $1,329 or 23.4% for escalation year 2012. At the recommended rates for 2011 shown in Appendix B, yearly residential rates will increase from $104.76 to $267.50, a difference of $162.74 or 155.3% and in escalation year 2012 from $267.50 to $300.00, a difference of $32.50 or 12.1%. For users of 1,000 Miner-Inch days of water, yearly irrigation rates will increase from $220.00 to $348.84, a difference of $128.84 or 58.6% and in escalation year 2012 from $348.84 to $465.58, a difference $116.74 or 33.5%.
A comparison of customer bills at present, recommended TY, and escalation rates are shown in Appendix C. The adopted quantities and tax calculations are shown in Appendix D. Meadow should be required to file a Tier 2 advice letter on or before November 20, 2012, for the 2012 escalation rates to be made effective on January 1, 2013.
COMPLIANCE
Meadow has no outstanding compliance orders. The utility has been filing annual reports as required. The California Department of Public Health reports that water quality meets standards. Meadow should file a Tier 1 advice letter within 30 days from the effective date of this resolution revising the following rules in its tariff book to meet the current Commission standards: Title Page; Schedule UF, Surcharge to Fund PUC Reimbursement Fee; Rules 3, Application for Service; 5, Special Information Required on Forms; 7, Deposits; 9, Rendering and Payment of Bills; 10, Disputed Bills; and 11, Discontinuance and Restoration of Service; and Forms 2, Customer's Deposit Receipt; and 3, Bill for Service.
COMMENTS
This is an uncontested matter in which the resolution grants the relief requested. Accordingly, pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 311(g) (2), the otherwise 30-day period for public review and comment is being waived.
FINDINGS
1. Meadow Valley Water Works (Meadow) has requested authority to increase its water rates by $4,588 or 161% for TY 2011.
2. AL 15 was served in accordance with General Order 96-B on May 19, 2011. On May 19, 2011, a notice of the proposed rate increase was mailed to each customer and to the general service list.
3. In reviewing Meadow's request, the Division made an independent analysis of Meadow's operations.
4. The present rates became effective on June 7, 2010, with the approval of a CPI rate increase of $75 or 2.7%.
5. Meadow agreed to phase in its revenues over a two-year period.
6. Meadow should not request recovery of the Consumer Price Index for years 2011 and 2012.
7. For Test Year 2011, it is appropriate to grant Meadow an increase in gross revenues of $2,821 or 98.8%, which is estimated to provide a rate of margin of 1.4%.
8. For escalation year 2012, it is appropriate to grant Meadow an increase in gross revenues of $1,329, or 23.4%.
9. The increase in gross revenues for Test Year 2011 and escalation year 2012 is estimated to provide a rate of margin of 24.89% over the two year period.
10. Meadow is in agreement with the Division of Water and Audits' recommended rates.
11. The Division of Water and Audits' recommended earnings (Appendix A) are reasonable and should be adopted.
12. The rates recommended by the Division of Water and Audits (Appendix B) are reasonable and should be adopted.
13. The quantities (Appendix D) used to develop Division of Water and Audits' recommendations are reasonable and should be adopted.
14. Meadow should file a Tier 1 advice letter within 30 days from the effective date of this resolution revising the following rules in its tariff book to meet the current Commission standards: Title Page; Schedule UF, Surcharge to Fund PUC Reimbursement Fee; Rules 3, Application for Service; 5, Special Information Required on Forms; 7, Deposits; 9, Rendering and Payment of Bills; 10, Disputed Bills; and 11, Discontinuance and Restoration of Service; and Forms 2, Customer's Deposit Receipt and 3, Bill for Service.
15. Meadow should be required to file a Tier 2 advice letter on or before November 20, 2012, for the escalation rate of 2012 with the escalation rates to be made effective on January 1, 2013.
THEREFORE IT IS ORDERED:
1. Authority is granted under Public Utilities Code Section 454 to Meadow Valley Water Works to file a supplement to Advice Letter 15 to make effective the revised schedules attached to this Resolution in Appendix B and concurrently cancel its presently effective rate schedules Schedule No. 2U, General Flat Rate Service - Untreated Water and Schedule No. 3M, Measured Irrigation Service. The effective date of the supplement to Advice Letter 15 shall be five days after the date of filing.
2. The quantities (Appendix D) used to develop the Division of Water and Audits' recommendations are adopted.
3. Meadow Valley Water Works shall file a Tier 1 advice letter within 30 days from the effective date of this resolution to do the following: revise the Title Page; Schedule UF, Surcharge to Fund PUC Reimbursement Fee; Rules 3, Application for Service; 5, Special Information Required on Forms; 7, Deposits; 9, Rendering and Payment of Bills; 10, Disputed Bills; and 11, Discontinuance and Restoration of Service; and Forms 2, Customer's Deposit Receipt and 3, Bill for Service. The advice letter shall become effective five days after the date of filing.
4. Meadow Valley Water Works shall file a Tier 2 advice letter on or before November 20, 2012, for the escalation rate of 2012 and the escalation rates shall be made effective on January 1, 2013.
5. Meadow Valley Water Works shall not request recovery of the Consumer Price Index for years 2011 and 2012.
6. This resolution is effective today.
I certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted at a conference of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California held on November 10, 2011; the following Commissioners voting favorably thereon:
/s/ PAUL CLANON
Paul Clanon
Executive Director
MICHAEL R. PEEVEY
President
TIMOTHY ALAN SIMON
MICHEL PETER FLORIO
CATHERINE J.K. SANDOVAL
MARK J. FERRON
Commissioners
APPENDIX A
Sheet 1
Meadow Valley Water Works
Summary of Earnings - Test Year 2011
APPENDIX A
Sheet 2
Meadow Valley Water Works
Summary of Earnings -Escalation Year 2012
(END OF APPENDIX A)
APPENDIX B
Sheet 1
Meadow Valley Water Works
Schedule No. 2U
Test Year 2011
GENERAL FLAT RATE SERVICE - UNTREATED WATER
APPLICABILITY
Applicable to all flat rate service of untreated water, other than for irrigation service.
TERRITORY
The unincorporated community of Meadow Valley, and vicinity, located approximately eight (8) miles west of Quincy, Plumas County.
RATES
Per Service Connection
Per Month
1. For a single-family residential unit, school, livestock barn $22.29 (I)
store or other business establishment
a. For each guest cabin on the same premises and
served from the same service connection,
during months of occupancy: $11.13 (I)
b. For each shower house used in connection with
guest cabins, during months of occupancy: $16.64 (I)
2. For Meadow Valley Cemetery: $22.29 (I)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. Water will be delivered by utility at its ditch. Water deliveries from utility's ditch to premises of the customer shall be the responsibility of the customer.
APPENDIX B
Sheet 2
Meadow Valley Water Works
Schedule No. 2U
Escalation Year 2012
GENERAL FLAT RATE SERVICE - UNTREATED WATER
APPLICABILITY
Applicable to all flat rate service of untreated water, other than for irrigation
service.
TERRITORY
The unincorporated community of Meadow Valley, and vicinity, located approximately eight (8) miles west of Quincy, Plumas County.
RATES
Per Service Connection
Per Month
1. For a single-family residential unit, school, livestock barn $25.00 (I)
Store or other business establishment
a. For each guest cabin on the same premises and
served from the same service connection,
during months of occupancy: $12.48 (I)
b. For each shower house used in connection with
guest cabins, during months of occupancy: $18.66 (I)
2. For Meadow Valley Cemetery: $25.00 (I)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. Water will be delivered by utility at its ditch. Water deliveries from utility's ditch to premises of the customer shall be the responsibility of the customer.
APPENDIX B
Sheet 3
Meadow Valley Water Works
Schedule No. 2U
Escalation Year 2012
GENERAL FLAT RATE SERVICE - UNTREATED WATER
SPECIAL CONDITIONS (continued)
2. The water supplied under this schedule is from open ditches and is untreated. The utility does not guarantee that any water delivered hereunder is potable or of a quality suitable for human consumption. Any customer who uses said water, or makes it available to others for human consumption shall take all necessary precautions to make it potable and shall assume all risks and liabilities in connection therewith.
3. The utility does not guarantee a continuous and uninterrupted supply under this schedule and reserves the right to temporarily suspend the delivery of water when it is necessary to take the whole or any part of its water system out of service for the purposes of cleaning, maintaining, repairing or making essential improvements thereon.
4. All bills are subject to the reimbursement fee set forth on Schedule No. UF.
APPENDIX B
Sheet 4
Schedule No. 3M
Test Year 2011
MEASURED IRRIGATION SERVICE
APPLICABILITY
Applicable to all measured irrigation service.
TERRITORY
The unincorporated community of Meadow Valley, and vicinity, located approximately eight (8) miles west of Quincy, Plumas County.
RATES
Per Miner's Inch-Day
For all water delivered $0.35 (I)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. A miner's inch is defined as a rate of flow equal to one fortieth of a cubic foot of water per second.
2. The water supplied under this schedule is from open ditches and is untreated. The utility does not guarantee that any water delivered hereunder is potable or of a quality suitable for human consumption. Any customer who uses said water, or makes it available to others for human consumption shall take all necessary precautions to make it potable and shall assume all risks and liabilities in connection therewith.
3. All bills are subject to the reimbursement fee set forth in Schedule No. UF.
APPENDIX B
Sheet 5
Meadow Valley Water Works
Schedule No. 3M
Escalation Year 2012
MEASURED IRRIGATION SERVICE
APPLICABILITY
Applicable to all measured irrigation service.
TERRITORY
The unincorporated community of Meadow Valley, and vicinity, located approximately eight (8) miles west of Quincy, Plumas County.
RATES
Per Miner's Inch-Day
For all water delivered $0.47 (I)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1. A miner's inch is defined as a rate of flow equal to one fortieth of a cubic foot of water per second.
2. The water supplied under this schedule is from open ditches and is untreated. The utility does not guarantee that any water delivered hereunder is potable or of a quality suitable for human consumption. Any customer who uses said water, or makes it available to others for human consumption shall take all necessary precautions to make it potable and shall assume all risks and liabilities in connection therewith.
3. All bills are subject to the reimbursement fee set forth in Schedule No. UF.
APPENDIX C
Meadow Valley Water Works
COMPARISON OF RATES
A comparison of Meadow's present rates and the Division's recommended rates is shown below:
(END OF APPENDIX C)
APPENDIX D
Meadow Valley Water Works
ADOPTED QUANTITIES - TEST YEAR 2011
Service Connections
Residences 10
Irrigation _5
15
Tax Calculations
Federal Tax Rate: 15% for first $50,000
CCFT: 8.84% (Minimum $800)
2011 2012
Item State Tax State Tax
Operating Revenue $5,675 $7,004
O&M Expense $4,651 $4,651
Taxes Other Than Income $ 148 $ 148
Depreciation $ 0 $ 0
Interest $ 0 $ 0
Taxable Income for CCFT $ 876 $2,205
CCFT $ 800 $ 800
Federal Tax Federal Tax
Taxable Income for FIT $ 0 $1,405
FIT $ 0 $ 211
Total Income Tax $ 800 $1,011
(END OF APPENDIX D)
1 Miner's inch is rate of flow of 1/40 cubic foot per second.
