Duarte Residents Testify at Public Utilities Commission Hearing in Response to Cal Am Proposed 56% Water Rate Increase
Approximately 60 residents from the California American service area including Duarte addressed the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) during a Public Participation Hearing (PPH) on the proposed general rate case increase request on Monday, June 8, 2009. The hearing covered a proposed revenue increase where Duarte residents could see their water rates increase by 56% in 2010 under the proposed rate increase. Another 4% increase is proposed to go into effect in 2011.
Several residents testified at both the 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm hearings with primary concerns focusing on the inability for both the disabled and fixed income seniors to be able to afford the increase in addition to the potential that hillside homeowners would stop watering properties creating a greater risk during fire season. Other comments focused on the possibility of the rate increases covering excessive executive pay and the company’s numerous acquisitions over the last few years.
William Marticorena, Counsel representing the City of Duarte, asked the Commission to delay the increase, thoroughly examine the Company’s specific justifications for such a substantive hike and put more humanity into a typically bureaucratic process in light of the national economy. He also reported that the City of Duarte had filed a formal intervention in the process to ensure that it receives notices of all public participation opportunities in order to keep its residents fully informed.
The hearing, preceded over by a CPUC Administrative Law Judge, was transcribed by a court reporter. Representatives from California American Water Co. were also present as was the CPUC’s Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA). The DRA is an independent division of the Commission whose role is to represent and advocate on behalf of public utility customers in order to obtain the lowest possible rates consistent with reliable and safe service.
Next steps in the process include a thorough data request and review of the case by the DRA, which will be filed for public review by August of 2009. After this is concluded, California American has the opportunity to file a rebuttal. Ultimately all parties including Duarte shall participate in an Alternative Dispute Resolution process, which could result in a filed settlement. However, some cases are not resolved in this manner and must go through the entire hearing process, which would not end until early 2010.
Duarte residents are encouraged to let their concerns be heard. Address comments to: The Public Advisor, California Public Utilities Commission, 320 W. Fourth St., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90013, or e-mail comments to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . When writing or emailing, refer to Case No. 09-01-013, and specify if you would like a response. Otherwise no response will be sent. A model letter is linked to this article for convenience.
For more information, call California America Water, (888) 237-1333, or visit the company’s website at www.amwater.com.
