Findings of Fact
1. Hillview's water rates will not increase if we adopt the Settlement.
2. The parties' resolution of the disputed amount of Hillview's ratebase is reasonable, because the actual differences in the parties' positions were principally the result of an accounting error.
3. The parties' resolution of the disputed rate of return is reasonable, as the stipulated rate of return is within the range authorized for other Class C water companies that are similarly situated.
4. The parties' settlement of other disputed items is reasonable, as the stipulated resolution of each item is rationally based upon ORA's analysis or new information exchanged by the parties.
1. The Settlement is reasonable in light of the whole record.
2. The Settlement is consistent with law.
3. The Settlement is in the public interest.
4. A moratorium should be imposed on new connections, as provided in the Settlement.
5. The parties' joint motion requesting the Commission to adopt the Settlement should be granted.
6. Advice Letter 61 relating to Hillview's late payment charge, returned check charge, and reconnection charge is authorized by Resolution W-4035 and should be approved.
7. Advice Letters 60, 63, and 65 are superseded by Paragraph 41 of the Settlement and should be denied.
1. The request of respondent Hillview Water Company, Inc. (Hillview) to increase its water rates, as embodied in its informal requests filed on October 20, 1998, and January 28, 2000, as well as Advice Letters 60, 61, 63 and 65, are consolidated with I.97-07-018.
2. The Motion for Adoption of Settlement jointly filed by Hillview and the Commission's Office of Ratepayer Advocates (ORA) on April 17, 2001, is granted.
3. The written Settlement by and between Hillview and ORA, dated April 16, 2001, and attached hereto, including all appendices thereto, is adopted as the Commission's interim Order.
4. Advice Letter 61 filed by Hillview is approved.
5. Advice Letters 60, 63 and 65 filed by Hillview are denied.
This order is effective today.
Dated , at San Francisco, California.
BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Investigation on the Commission's own Motion into the Operations, Practices, Rates, and Charges of the Hillview Water Company, Inc., a Corporation, and Roger L. Forrester, the Principal Shareholder and President. |
Investigation 97-07-018 |
