Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 16:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Security – Investment in security-related improvements is a continuing process and management believes that the costs associated with any such improvements will be eligible for recovery in future rate proceedings.

Reverse Privatization – Our Regulated Companies derive their rights and franchises to operate from state laws that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal, and do not grant permanent exclusive rights to our service areas.  Our franchises are free from burdensome restrictions, are unlimited as to time, and authorize us to sell potable water in all towns we now serve.  There is the possibility that states could revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems.  From time to time such legislation is contemplated.

Environmental and Water Quality Regulation – The Company is subject to environmental and water quality regulations.  Costs to comply with environmental and water quality regulations are substantial.  We are presently in compliance with current regulations, but the regulations are subject to change at any time.  The costs to comply with future changes in state or federal regulations, which could require us to modify current filtration facilities and/or construct new ones, or to replace any reduction of the safe yield from any of our current sources of supply, could be substantial.

Legal Proceedings – We are involved in various legal proceedings from time to time. Although the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, there are no pending legal proceedings to which we, or any of our subsidiaries are a party, or to which any of our properties is subject, that presents a reasonable likelihood of a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Rate Relief – Connecticut Water is a regulated public utility, which provides water services to its customers.  The rates that regulated companies charge their water customers are subject to the jurisdiction of the regulatory authority of the PURA.  Connecticut Water’s allowed rate of return on equity and return on rate base are currently 9.75% and 7.32%, respectively. Maine Water’s average allowed return on equity and return on rate base, as of December 31, 2012 were 10.00% and 8.31%, respectively.  BSWC’s allowed return on equity, as of December 31, 2012 was 10.00%.

In 2007, the State of Connecticut adopted legislation which permits regulated water companies to recapture money spent on eligible infrastructure improvements without a full rate case proceeding.  The PURA may authorize regulated water companies to use a rate adjustment mechanism, such as a Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment (WICA), for eligible projects completed and in service for the benefit of the customers.  Regulated water companies may only charge customers such an adjustment to the extent allowed by the PURA based on a water company’s infrastructure assessment report, as approved by the PURA and upon semiannual filings which reflect plant additions consistent with such report. Similarly, the Maine Legislature is currently in the process of formalizing a Temporary Surcharge for Infrastructure Replacement and Repairs, a WICA-like mechanism that will allow for expedited recovery of infrastructure improvements. The Company expects that our Regulated Companies in the State of Maine will be able to take advantage of the surcharge in late 2013 or early 2014.

Land Dispositions – The Company and its subsidiaries own additional parcels of land in Connecticut and Maine, which may be suitable in the future for disposition, either by sale or by donation to municipalities, other local governments or private charitable entities.  These additional parcels would include certain Class I and II parcels previously identified for long term conservation by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which have restrictions on development and resale based on provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Capital Expenditures – The Company has received approval from its Board of Directors to spend $31.3 million on capital expenditures in 2013, in part due to increased spending primarily for infrastructure improvements.