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Rate Matters
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Rate Matters  
Rate and Regulatory Matters

Note 2 Rate Matters

 

Middlesex - In April 2013, the NJBPU approved a Middlesex petition to establish a Purchased Water Adjustment Clause and implement a tariff rate sufficient to recover increased costs of $0.1 million to purchase untreated water from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) and treated water from a non-affiliated regulated water utility.

 

In November 2012, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval of foundational information (Foundational Filing) that would allow for the implementation of a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC). A DSIC is a rate-mechanism that allows water utilities to recover investment in capital improvements to their water distribution system made between base rate proceedings.  In February 2013, the Foundational Filing was approved by the NJBPU, which allows Middlesex to implement a DSIC rate in September 2013 to recover costs for qualifying projects that are placed in service in the six-month post-approval period.  The DSIC rate is allowed to increase in three subsequent six month periods for any additional qualifying projects placed in service during those time periods. The maximum annual revenue allowed to be recovered under the approved Foundational Filing is $1.4 million.

 

Pinelands - In March 2013, the NJBPU approved a combined $0.2 million increase in Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater’s annual base revenues. In its initial request, filed in August 2012, Pinelands had sought an increase of $0.3 million on a combined basis. The rate increase for the water service, which is approximately 50% of the approved increase, will be phased-in over one year.

 

TESI In November 2012, TESI filed an application with the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) seeking approval to purchase all of the utility assets of the 600 customer wastewater system serving the residents of the Plantations development (the Plantations) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The application also requests the transfer of the wastewater franchise from the current owner to TESI. In connection with this transaction, TESI also filed an application with DEPSC seeking an approximate $0.1 million increase in the Plantations’ residents base wastewater rates. TESI’s willingness to purchase the Plantation’s wastewater system is contingent upon several requirements being met to TESI’s satisfaction, including, among other things, the DEPSC’s approval of both applications and a rate decision by the DEPSC that provides TESI a reasonable opportunity to earn its authorized return from the date of acquisition. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for early June 2013. We cannot predict whether the DEPSC will ultimately approve or deny the application. A decision by the DEPSC is not expected until the third quarter of 2013.