HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-17 Board Packet 1
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DISTRICT BOARDROOM
2554 SWEETWATER SPRINGS BOULEVARD
SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY
April 17, 2017
3:00 P.M.
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4333 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-
TORS OF THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT TO CENSURE DIRECTOR HECTOR
GASTELUM FOR OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT (Presented by Directors Smith and
Thompson)
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD'S
JURISDICTION BUT NOT AN ITEM ON TODAY'S AGENDA
ACTION ITEMS
6. ENGINEERING AND WATER OPERATIONS
a) APPROVE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH ACE ELECTRIC, INC.
FOR THE OWD ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS PARKING LOT
IMPROVEMENTS AND PH. I-LIGHTING & ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARG-
ING STATION PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $369,495
(MARTIN)
WORKSHOP
7. WORKSHOP ON THE RESULTS OF THE 2017 WATER COST OF SERVICE
STUDY (BEACHEM/KOEPPEN)
8. ADJOURNMENT
2
All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be
deliberated and may be subject to action by the Board.
The Agenda, and any attachments containing written information, are available at the
District’s website at www.otaywater.gov. Written changes to any items to be considered at
the open meeting, or to any attachments, will be posted on the District’s website. Copies
of the Agenda and all attachments are also available through the District Secretary by
contacting her at (619) 670-2280.
If you have any disability which would require accommodation in order to enable you to
participate in this meeting, please call the District Secretary at 670-2280 at least 24 hours
prior to the meeting.
Certification of Posting
I certify that on April 14, 2017, I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda near the
regular meeting place of the Board of Directors of Otay Water District, said time being at
least 24 hours in advance of the special meeting of the Board of Directors (Government
Code Section §54954.2).
Executed at Spring Valley, California on April 14, 2017.
/s/ Susan Cruz, District Secretary
RESOLUTION NO. 4333
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
OTAY WATER DISTRICT TO CENSURE
DIRECTOR HECTOR GASTELUM FOR OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District endeavors to foster public respect, confidence, and
trust between its elected officials and the constituents whom it represents pursuant to Code of
Ordinances, Board of Directors Policy, No. 40, Ethics, and;
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District’s elected officials are required to be independent,
impartial and responsible to the people and to conduct themselves in a manner above reproach,
and;
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District’s elected officials are expected to set an example
which always demonstrates respect, confidence, and trust between themselves and the community
they serve; and
WHEREAS, it is the Otay Water District’s expectation that its elected officials will
consistently behave in an ethical manner, show deference to those who disagree, and encourage
public respect, confidence, and trust to all segments of the community they endeavor to serve,
and;
WHEREAS, in February 2017, Director Hector Gastelum posted a series of comments on
social media, which comments were considered to be derogatory and offensive in nature, and
which violated the Otay Water District’s ethical values of mutual respect and inclusion, and;
WHEREAS, during the March 1, 2017 meeting of the Otay Water District’s Board of
Directors, Director Gastelum failed to acknowledge the disparaging impact of his words and made
further incendiary comments, and;
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District’s Board of Directors reaffirmed its intolerance for
discrimination, bias, or prejudice by adopting Resolution 4329 during the meeting of the Board of
Directors on March 1, 2017 condemning discrimination on the basis of any legally protected status
recognized by federal, state, or local laws, and;
WHEREAS, by this Resolution the Board of Directors finds it necessary and prudent to
publically acknowledge that Director Gastelum’s public behavior is reprehensible and intolerable,
and;
WHEREAS, by this Resolution the Board of Directors desires again to reinforce its
commitment to mutual respect and inclusivity of all constituents of its diverse community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Otay Water
District that the above stated recitals are incorporated herein by reference;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017, have demonstrated that he is not impartial and
responsible to the people he represents and he has not conducted himself in a manner above
reproach; and
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that the Board of Directors hereby reaffirms its commitment
to insuring that all constituents of the Otay Water District be treated with respect and integrity,
and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017, do not set an example or the tone for
demonstrating respect, confidence, and trust between the District, and the community it serves,
and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017, have demonstrated that he has not conducted
himself in a professional manner, or shown deference to those who disagree with him, and he has
failed to encourage public respect, confidence, and trust, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017,were reprehensible and intolerable, and they
violated the Otay Water District’s ethical values of mutual respect and inclusion, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017, violate Board of Directors Policy No. 40,
Ethics Policy, and they constitute official misconduct, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum’s comments to the media, on social
media, and at the Board meeting on March 1, 2017, constitute cause for censure, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that Director Gastelum is hereby censured for his
reprehensible and intolerable comments to the media, on social media, and his further incendiary
comments during the March 1, 2017 Board meeting, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that the Board of Directors intends to monitor the future
conduct of Director Gastelum and will consider further future actions should such future actions
be deemed warranted, and;
IT IS RESOLVED FURTHER that the Board of Directors, pursuant to § 5.03 of the Code
of Ordinances, requests that the Board President under the powers granted to him, conduct a review
of the current Committee assignments for Director Gastelum and determine whether a temporary
or permanent removal of some or all said committee assignments might be appropriate at the
present time.
FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED that this resolution shall be in full force and effect
immediately after its passage and approval.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the Otay Water
District at a regular meeting held this 17th day of April, 2017.
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:
President
ATTEST: District Secretary
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Special Board
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Dan Martin Engineering Manager
PROJECT: P2555-001103 P2547-001103 DIV. NO. 3
APPROVED BY: Rod Posada, Chief, Engineering
German Alvarez, Assistant General Manager
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Award of a Construction Contract to Ace Electric, Inc. for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
That the Otay Water District (District) Board of Directors (Board)
award a construction contract to Ace Electric, Inc. (Ace Electric) and to authorize the General Manager to execute a construction
contract with Ace Electric for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project in an amount not-to-exceed $369,495.00 (see Exhibit A for Project location).
COMMITTEE ACTION:
Please see Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To obtain Board authorization for the General Manager to enter into a construction contract with Ace Electric for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station Project in an amount not-to-exceed
$369,495.00.
2
ANALYSIS:
The District’s Administration and Operations parking lots are in need of new area lighting. The existing lighting is antiquated and
inefficient. The Project will involve improvements and upgrading of the parking lot lighting through the replacement of existing pole
fixtures, wall mounted sconces, and canopy fluorescent lights with the appropriate LED specifications to provide illumination to meet Title 24 Lighting Compliance. The Project will also provide new
lighting for the customer driveway. The lights will be programmed by a photocell to automatically turn on at dusk and off at sunrise. The
lighting will also have the ability to dim and return to full intensity with a motion sensor.
Another part of the Project will install an electric vehicle charging station. This will be located in the employee parking lot. The
pedestal will also have the multifunctional ability to connect and power a temporary trailer which may be needed as part of an emergency response.
The design was provided by the District’s As-needed Electrical
Engineer, BSE Engineering. The Project was advertised on February 2, 2017 using BidSync, the District’s online bid solicitation website. The Project was also advertised in the Daily Transcript and the
District’s website. BidSync provided electronic distribution of the Bid Documents, including specifications, plans, and addendum. A non-
mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting was held on February 14, 2017, which was attended by eleven (11) contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. One (1) addendum was sent out to all bidders and plan houses to address questions and clarifications to the contract documents during the bidding period. Bids were publicly opened on February 23, 2017,
with the following results: BID RANK CONTRACTOR TOTAL BID AMOUNT
1 Ace Electric, Inc. San Diego, CA $369,495.00
2 GA Abell, Inc. DBA Precision Electric Co.
Lakeside, CA $399,000.00
3 Baker Electric, Inc. Escondido, CA $488,953.70
4 Allstate Electric
San Diego, CA $512,246.00*
5 Falcon Construction Co. San Diego, CA $525,250.00**
6 Servitek Solutions, Inc. City of Industry, CA $593,046.94
7 CTE, Inc. El Cajon, CA $638,593.00**
* Total Bid Amount corrected due to math error. ** Unit price discrepancy. Bid total based on Unit price per Section 00400 “Bid
List Requirements and Understanding”
3
The Engineer’s Estimate is $385,000.00.
A review of the bids was performed by District staff for conformance with the contract requirements and determined that Ace Electric was
the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Ace Electric holds both a Class A - General Engineering and a Class C10 - Electrical
Contractor’s License in the State of California, which meets the
contract document’s requirements. The licenses are valid through March 31, 2018. The reference checks indicated a very good to
excellent performance record on similar projects. An internet background search of the company was performed and revealed
no outstanding issues with this company. Staff verified that the bid bond provided by Ace Electric is valid.
Staff will also verify that Ace Electric’s Performance Bond and Labor and Materials Bond are valid prior to execution of the contract.
Subsequent to the bid opening, GA Abell, Inc. DBA Precision Electric Co. (Precision Electric), the second lowest bidder, provided a request to the District for the complete bid package from Ace Electric (the apparent low bidder). District staff provided the
requested information to Precision Electric to ensure a transparent bidding process. Staff followed up with Precision Electric who confirmed receipt of the requested information and also confirmed that they found no issues with Ace Electric’s bid package. FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer The total budget for CIP P2555, as approved in the FY 2017 budget, is $500,000.00. Total expenditures, plus outstanding commitments and forecast, including this contract, are $498,842. See Attachment B-1
for the budget detail.
The total budget for CIP P2547, as approved in the FY 2017 budget, is $125,000.00. Total expenditures, plus outstanding commitments and forecast, including this contract, are $87,770. See Attachment B-2
for the budget detail.
Based on a review of the financial budget, the Project Manager anticipates that the budgets are sufficient to support the Project.
The Finance Department has determined that, under the current rate model, 100% of the funding will be available from the Replacement
Fund for CIP P2555, and for CIP P2547, 60% of the funding will be available from the Betterment ID 22 Fund and 40% of the funding will be available from the Expansion Fund.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
This Project supports the District’s Mission statement, “To provide high quality and reliable water and wastewater services to the
4
customers of the Otay Water District, in a professional, effective,
and efficient manner” and the General Manager’s Vision, "A District that is innovative in providing water services at competitive rates, with a reputation for outstanding customer service."
LEGAL IMPACT:
None.
DM:jf
P:\WORKING\CIP P2555 Administration & Operations Parking Lot Improvements\Staff Reports\BD 04-17-17, Staff Report Admin & Ops Parking Lot Lighting & Vehicle Charging Station.doc Attachments: Attachment A – Committee Action Attachment B1 – P2555 Budget Detail Attachment B2 - P2547 Budget Detail
Exhibit A – Project Location
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2555-001103 P2547-001103
Award of a Construction Contract to Ace Electric, Inc. for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot
Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station
COMMITTEE ACTION:
No Committee Meeting.
NOTE:
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee
moving the item forward for Board approval. This report will be sent to the Board as a Committee approved item, or modified to reflect any discussion or changes as directed from the Committee prior to
presentation to the full Board.
ATTACHMENT B-1 – P2555 Budget Detail
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2555-001103 P2547-001103
Award of a Construction Contract to Ace Electric, Inc. for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot
Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Date Updated: 2/23/2017
Budget
500,000
Planning
Standard Salaries 100 87 13 100
Total Planning 100 87 13 100
Design
Standard Salaries 43,000 41,946 1,054 43,000
Equipment Charges 50 40 10 50 EQUIPMENT CHARGES
Service Contracts 33,760 22,505 11,255 33,760 BSE ENGINEERING INC
4,850 4,850 - 4,850 INLAND AERIAL SURVEY INC
Total Design 81,660 69,341 12,319 81,660
Construction
Standard Salaries 40,000 9,812 30,188 40,000
Construction Contract 330,565 - 330,565 330,565 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR - ACE ELECTRIC, INC.
10,000 - 10,000 10,000 ALLOWANCE - UNKNOWN UTILITES
10,000 - 10,000 10,000 ALLOWANCE - REPLACEMENT HARDWARE OR SIGNAGE
Service Contracts 10,000 - 10,000 10,000 ALYSON CONSULTING-CM
750 - 750 750 MAYER
100 - 100 100 DAILY JOURNAL CORP
Standard Materials 1,000 - 1,000 1,000 STANDARD MATERIALS
Equipment Charges 1,000 30 970 1,000 EQUIPMENT CHARGE
Regulatory Agency Fees 150 - 150 150 PETTY CASH CUSTODIAN
Project Closeout 3,000 - 3,000 3,000 CLOSEOUT
Project Contingency 10,517 - 10,517 10,517 3% CONTINGENCY
Total Construction 417,082 9,842 407,240 417,082
Grand Total 498,842 79,270 419,572 498,842
Vendor/Comments
Otay Water District
P2555 - Admin & Operations Parking Lot
Committed Expenditures Outstanding
Commitment &
Projected Final
Cost
ATTACHMENT B-2 – P2547 Budget Detail
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
P2555-001103 P2547-001103
Award of a Construction Contract to Ace Electric, Inc. for the OWD Administration & Operations Parking Lot
Improvements, PH. I – Lighting & Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Date Updated: 2/23/2017
Budget
125,000
Planning
Standard Salaries 400 365 35 400
Total Planning 400 365 35 400
Design
Standard Salaries 20,000 15,797 4,203 20,000
Service Contracts 13,600 9,350 4,250 13,600 BSE ENGINEERING INC
Total Design 33,600 25,147 8,453 33,600
Construction
Standard Salaries 25,000 - 25,000 25,000
Construction Contract 13,400 - 13,400 13,400 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR - Ace Electric, Inc.
5,000 - 5,000 5,000 ALLOWANCE - UNKNOWN UTILITES
Service Contracts 5,000 - 5,000 5,000 ALYSON CONSULTING-CM
250 - 250 250 MAYER
50 - 50 50 DAILY JOURNAL CORP
Standard Materials 1,500 1,500 1,500 STANDARD MATERIALS
Equipment Charges 500 500 500 EQUIPMENT CHARGE
Regulatory Agency Fees 150 - 150 150 PETTY CASH CUSTODIAN
Project Closeout 2,000 - 2,000 2,000 CLOSEOUT
Project Contingency 920 - 920 920 5% CONTINGENCY
Total Construction 53,770 - 53,770 53,770
Grand Total 87,770 25,512 62,258 87,770
Vendor/Comments
Otay Water District
P2547 - Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Committed Expenditures Outstanding
Commitment &
Projected Final
Cost
OTAY WATER DISTRICTOWD ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS PARKING LOTIMPROVEMENTS, PH. I - LIGHTING & VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
LOCATION MAP CIP P2555
F
P:\WORKING\CIP P2555 Administration & Operations Parking Lot Improvements\Graphics\Exhibits-Figures\Exhibit A - Staff Report.mxd
!\
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT SITE
NTSDIV 5
DIV 1
DIV 2
DIV 4
DIV 3
?ò
Aä%&s
?p
?Ë
F
0 250125
Feet
EXHIBIT A
CIP P2547
AU S T I N D R
B
LV
D
B L V D
SPRIN
GS
JAMACHA
ADMINISTRATIONPROJECT SITE
OPERATIONSPROJECT SITE
S
W
E
ET
WATER
1
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Special Board Meeting MEETING DATE: April 17, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Koeppen, Finance
Manager
PROJECT: DIV. NO. All
APPROVED BY:
Joseph R. Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
German Alvarez, Assistant General Manager
Mark Watton, General Manager
SUBJECT: Present to the Board the Results the Current Water and Sewer
Cost of Service Study Prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc. and Obtain Direction to Prepare the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Using the Recommended Rate Structure
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: This is an informational item only.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
See Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
Present to the Board the results of the current water and sewer cost of service study prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc. and obtain direction to prepare the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget using the
recommended rate structure.
BACKGROUND:
The District performs rate studies every three to five years depending on changes in economic factors, price increases, water use patterns, regulations, infrastructure, and other cost drivers. This
cost of service study is an important tool when setting retail rates because as water use and cost drivers change over time, imbalances may occur in the equity of how various customer classes pay for water. It has been four years since the District’s last water rate study was performed. Since then changes in usage patterns and the
legal environment have occurred that warrant the study be updated at this time.
Since 2014, the District has experienced changes in usage patterns due to the drought. While the Governor has since lifted the drought
declaration, the removal of lawns and transition to drought tolerant landscaping is expected to have a long-term impact on usage patterns. This change has been incorporated into the rate design. The State of California has certain well-established legal
constraints regarding utility rate making, of which the California Constitution Article XIII D, Section 6 (commonly referred to as “Proposition 218”), is at the forefront. Proposition 218 requires a water (and sewer) utility to establish cost-based rates for the services provided. At the time of the last comprehensive water rate
study conducted for the District in 2013, the technical analysis was structured and developed to comply with the requirements of
Proposition 218. However, since the completion and adoption of the District’s rates in 2013, additional court cases within California have further clarified the issue of defining a “cost-based” rate
structure which meets the legal requirements of Proposition 218.
When performing a rate study it is important to note that revenue neutrality is maintained. This means that an agency collects the same amount of total revenue through fees and charges, but the
individual customer bill may vary based on changes to the rate structure. Customers that drive costs higher pay more and customers
that keep cost low pay less. It also means that specific cost drivers, such as energy for pumping, should match the revenue collected through energy fees charged to customers. Once the rate
structure is set by the findings of the rate study, higher budgeted costs such as water and power along with sales volume changes,
determine the necessary rate increases. The District’s FY 2017 Budget and rate model were used for this cost of service calculation.
Setting rates based on cost of service in compliance with Proposition 218 was the primary goal of this cost of service study. The current
rate study examined the equity and assigned costs to the various customer types. The costs assigned to customer types are then allocated to tiers within each customer type. Costs are allocated to tiers based on the necessity to size the system to meet customer peak demands. The system infrastructure (pipes, pump stations,
reservoirs, etc.) must be sized to meet peak demands. The costs associated with servicing peak demand capacity is greater than the costs associated with base usage; therefore, the customers that drive the peaking pay for the costs associated with the sizing of the infrastructure necessary to meet those demands. This study
calculated peaking factors using the actual FY 2015 customer usage as it more accurately represented the annual usage levels staff is
expecting over the next five years. Staff did not use FY 2017 usage data due to a lack of data being available when the cost of service study began. FY 2016, usage data was not used due to the reduced
usage as a result of the Governor’s drought mandate.
As part of this study the District also looked to:
Recommend a rate structure that is compliant with Proposition 218 requirements and is the least disruptive to the District’s customers.
Simplify the District’s rate structure, where possible.
Evaluate the water tiered rate structure(s).
Evaluate cost allocation to various customer classes and tiers.
Evaluate the fixed cost revenues to ensure they match the fixed cost charges.
Evaluate the assignment of pressure zones to fairly charge
energy costs related to pumping.
Evaluate water meter equivalencies using AWWA’s hydraulic
capacity factors for water customers. Tom Gould and his team from HDR Engineering performed the cost of
service study and assisted with the evaluation of the rate structures. The rate study process consists of the following steps:
1. Establish the Revenue Requirement - This step compares the revenues of the District to the expenses to determine the
overall level of the rate adjustment.
2. Prepare the Cost of Service – During this process the revenues and costs are equitably allocated between the various usage types, customer classes of service, and tiers.
3. Rate Design – Design rates for each class of service to reflect the cost of providing service to the individual
customer groups and tiers. The proposed rates being presented include the following changes.
Subsequent to the listing is a discussion regarding the impact each of these changes will have on each of the customer classes.
The conservation tier for residential customers has been eliminated reducing the number of residential tiers from 4 tiers
to 3 tiers.
Modify the system fees from the current flat rate for all
customers based on meter size to a fee based on customer type and meter size. Costs associated with certain customer
characteristics (fire flow, required flow rate, etc.) differ between customer types and meter sizes. For example: Residential fire flow, flow rates and flow duration are substantially different from multi-residential or commercial customers. The later customers require greater gallon-per-
minute flow and duration, which requires the system to be
upsized. Therefore, the additional costs associated with upsizing the facility should be equitably allocated to these
customers.
Irrigation, Commercial, and Public customer’s variable rate
structures have been changed from a tiered rate structure to a unitary or flat rate structure. The current pricing structure
has minor differences between tiers, which more closely resembles a unitary rate. For these customer types, the tiered rate cost differential is minimal and provides no discernable
benefit. Changing the rate structure for these customers will simplify the District’s rate structure.
Residential The elimination of the conservation tier will increase the average monthly bill for those users in the lowest water use tiers. The table below summarizes the impact of the changes in the water rate
structure to customers at their respective usage levels.
Multi-Family
There were no recommended changes to the tiered rate structure for multi-family customers. The change in the system fee structure will,
on average, increase the monthly costs of multi-family customers with a meter that is 1.5” or smaller and use less than 11 units of water per dwelling unit per month. Multi-family customers with meters 2”
or greater will likely see a decrease in the monthly charge. In general, lower use customers will see an increase in their monthly
bill due to the increase fixed charges. This increase is partially offset by decreases in the rate structure’s variable rate component. The table below summarizes the fee impact per dwelling unit for
multi-residential customers.
Average
Monthly
Usage Range
(Units)
Average
Usage
# of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decrease)
0 - 5 3.2 6,456 $39 $42 $3
6 - 9 7.4 158,990 $53 $55 $2
10 - 20 14.1 17,430 $91 $86 ($5)
21 - 30 25.7 3,579 $161 $153 ($8)
31 - 50 42.3 1,307 $294 $270 ($24)
Average Monthly Fees
Commercial/Public Staff is recommending that the commercial and public customer class rate structure be changed to a unitary rate, which would
eliminate the current tiered rate structure. The current tiered pricing has little pricing variation between the first tier and the third tier, which provides no significant benefit. This modification will have a minimal impact on customer fees. The modification of the system fees will have a greater impact on the commercial and public
customers. The table below summarizes the fee impact to these customers with meter sizes from ¾” to 2”, which represents
approximately 95% of this customer class.
Potable Irrigation
Staff is recommending that the potable irrigation customer class rate structure be changed to a unitary rate, which would eliminate the current tiered rate structure. Similar to commercial and public customer classes, the current tiered pricing has little pricing variation between the first tier and the third tier, which provides
no significant benefit. This modification will have a minimal impact on customer fees. The modification of the system fees will have a greater impact on the irrigation customers. The table below summarizes the fee impact to these customers.
Average
Monthly
Usage Range
(Units)
Average
Usage
# of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decrease)
0 - 5 3.8 338 $20 $23 $3
6 - 9 7.2 177 $46 $49 $3
10 - 20 13.0 51 $93 $92 ($1)
21 - 30 22.4 9 $166 $152 ($13)
Average Fees per Dwelling Unit
Average
Usage per
Month
(Units)
Average
Usage
# of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decrease)
0 > 10 4.6 402 $94 $129 $35
11 ‐ 75 30.0 644 $221 $249 $28
76 ‐ 300 146.0 235 $785 $771 ($15)
301 ‐ 1000 494.0 66 $2,438 $2,267 ($171)
Average Fees per Month
Recycled Irrigation
Staff is recommending that the recycled irrigation customer class rate structure be modified to a unitary rate, which would eliminate the current tiered rate structure and the system fee be calculated based on the characteristics of the class. The current tiered pricing has little pricing variation between the first tier and the
third tier, which provides no significant benefit. The modification in the calculation of the system fee will provide a more precise method of charging customers based on their specific characteristics. The table below summarizes the impact of this change to these customers.
Recycled Commercial Staff is recommending that the recycled commercial customer class
rate structure be modified to a unitary rate, which would eliminate the current tiered rate structure and that the system fee be
calculated based on the characteristics of the class. The current tiered pricing has little pricing variation between the first tier and the third tier, which provides no significant benefit. The
modification in the calculation of the system fee will provide a more precise method of charging customers based on their specific
characteristics. The below table demonstrates the impact of this change to these customers.
Average Usage
per Month
(Units)
Average
Usage
# of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decrease)
0 > 10 5.0 89 $99 $123 $24
11 - 75 38.5 475 $313 $329 $16
76 - 300 148.9 491 $974 $948 ($26)
301 - 1000 422.5 75 $2,578 $2,416 ($162)
Average Fees per Month
Average
Usage per
Month
(Units)
Average
Usage
# of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decreas
e)
0 > 10 5.0 22 $103 $127.94 $25
11 - 75 39.0 189 $286 $288.44 $3
76 - 300 159.9 352 $898 $811.66 ($86)
301 - 1000 471.9 122 $2,476 $2,135.00 ($341)
Average Fees per Month
Conclusion
Today we are bringing rate structure modifications to the Board’s
attention. The next step will be to incorporate these changes into the FY 2018 rate model and budget. In May of 2018, staff will
request the Board approve the FY 2018 budget and direct staff to move forward with the Proposition 218 process. Only after the Proposition 218 hearing can the Board approve the rates and rate structure
changes.
In 2013 the District did a five-year Proposition 218 notice. The District as well as many other agencies has used this five-year process with very positive results. In the past, to make these
notices effective for five-years, the Board has approved a pass-through component of future rate increases for supplier costs, and
also approves a separate maximum rate increase for the portion of rates due to increases in internal costs. Supplier costs have historically been defined as costs charge by SDG&E, CWA, MWD, and Metro. As part of the FY 2018 budget process, staff will again recommend a five-year Proposition 218 notice. In mid-2017, staff
will prepare the Proposition 218 notices and in mid to late 2017 a Proposition 218 hearing will be held to adopt the rates. After the Proposition 218 hearing, the proposed rate structures and rate increase provisions would be effective in January 2018, giving the required lead time to customers and allowing staff the time to test
and implement the various changes.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
None.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
The District ensures its continued financial health through sound
policies and procedures.
Average
Usage per
Month (Units)
Number of
Customers Current Proposed
Increase/
(Decrease)
11000 2 $41,464 $34,275 ($7,189)
Average Fees per Month
LEGAL IMPACT:
None. Attachments:
A) Committee Action Form
B) HDR Memorandum – Water Rates C) Presentation
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
Present to the Board the Results the Current Water and
Sewer Cost of Service Study Prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc. and Obtain Direction to Prepare the Fiscal Year 2018
Budget Using the Recommended Rate Structure
COMMITTEE ACTION:
This is an informational item only.
NOTE: The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee moving the item forward for board approval. This report will be sent to the Board as a committee approved item,
or modified to reflect any discussion or changes as directed from the committee prior to presentation to the full board.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 1
Otay Water District
Introduction
The District currently has four different potable water rate schedules; residential, multi‐family,
commercial/public agency and irrigation. Each of these distinct and individual rate schedules
utilizes a tiered water rate structure. At the same time, the District also has recycled water rates
for recycled commercial and irrigation customers. The District requested that HDR review the
District’s tiered rates in the context of the recent court decisions interpreting Proposition 218
and the need to continue to maintain cost‐based water rates.
The State of California has certain well established legal constraints regarding utility ratemaking,
of which California Constitution article XIII D, section 6 (commonly referred to as “Proposition
218”)1 is at the forefront. At its very core, Proposition 218 requires a water (and sewer) utility to
establish cost‐based rates for the services provided. At the time of the last comprehensive water
rate study conducted for the District in 2013, the technical analysis was structured and developed
to comply with the requirements of Proposition 218, as they were known and understood at that
time. However, since the completion and adoption of the District’s rates in 2013, additional court
cases within California have further clarified the issue of defining a “cost‐based” rate structure
which meets the legal requirements of Proposition 218.
Tiered Pricing, Conservation and Efficient Use
California has always recognized the importance and value of water supply. Efficient water use,
and discouragement of inefficient or wasteful use, has been at the heart of many water utility
conservation programs. In particular, one of the important conservation tools historically used
by water utilities is conservation pricing and conservation‐oriented rate structures to encourage
efficient use through price signals2. Tiered rate structures impose progressively higher rates for
water service as the relative level of consumption increases. They are designed to allocate a
greater proportional share of the cost of providing service to those customers whose water usage
creates greater demands and burdens on the water system and water resources and therefore
generates additional costs to a local agency for providing water service. Tiered rates also have
the incidental effect of encouraging conservation. It is a well‐recognized economic principle that
as the price of a commodity increases, the demand for the commodity will go down. By creating
water rate structures which increase in per unit price, as consumption becomes less efficient, the
high use or inefficient water user is provided with a “price signal” to be more efficient in their
usage.
1 Proposition 218, enacted by California's voters in 1996, imposes certain procedures, requirements and voter
approval mechanisms for local government assessments, fees and charges.
2 The California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) has best management practices (BMP) as they relate
to conservation pricing. The 2013 Atkins report discussed the conservation rate design BMPs (Section 2.0, p. 9).
Technical Memorandum
Review of the District’s Water Rates
Attachment B
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 2
Otay Water District
Since the District’s last rate study, the Capistrano Taxpayers Association vs. City of San Juan
Capistrano has provided greater clarity with regard to tiered rate structures and the need to
demonstrate the cost‐basis for the pricing of the tiers. The study undertaken herein was
designed to review the District’s existing rates and, where appropriate, to provide a rate design
that is intended to be compliant with the requirements of Proposition 218, as it is currently
understood. In those instances where a tiered rate was to be maintained, the study is designed
to provide a clear cost basis for the tiered rate structures. The following discussion provides an
overview of the approach taken to analyze the District’s rates.
Overview of the District’s Current Rates
The District currently has in place potable and recycled water rates. The potable water rates are
segregated by customer classes of service; residential, multi‐residential, commercial and
irrigation. Each of these rates is a tiered rate structure (increasing price per unit with increasing
consumptive use) and the size of each tier (volume of water included within the tier) varies by
class of service and by meter size. The current structure for irrigation and commercial customers
has very little difference in the pricing of tiers, which more closely resembles a uniform rate
structure. The use of a tiered rate structure in this manner adds a level of complexity to the
District’s rates with no discernible benefit from a customer equity or conservation perspective.
Given that, this study has been developed to consider a more simplified approach to the District’s
rate structures, while still maintaining equity and the cost‐basis for each.
The District’s recycled water rates, for recycled irrigation and recycled commercial customers,
are similar in structure to the potable water rates for irrigation and commercial customers in that
they also utilize a tiered rate structure. The tier sizes for each rate varies by meter size with very
little difference in the pricing of the tiers. Similar to the potable water rate structures, HDR
concluded that the recycled water rates could also be simplified by collapsing the tiers with little
impact to equity and the cost‐basis for the rates.
It is also important to gain an understanding of the District’s current rates since the cost of service
analysis, undertaken herein, will need to be structured to provide the cost information needed
to design cost‐based rates, which includes the pricing of any tiered (increasing block price) rate
structures.
Technical Analyses Utilized in the Review of the District’s Costs/Rates
A comprehensive rate study is generally comprised of the three interrelated analyses shown
below in Figure 1.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 3
Otay Water District
Figure 1
Overview of the Comprehensive Rate Study Process
The study conducted by HDR included the three technical analyses discussed above. In
establishing cost‐based rates the revenue requirement determines the overall revenue needs of
the utility. The cost of service provides an equitable allocation of the cost to the different types
of customers served, while also providing per unit costs which become the basis for the final rate
designs. The rate design analysis utilizes the unit costs from the cost of service study to establish
the final proposed rates. Each of these elements of the technical analysis is discussed in more
detail below.
Summary of the Revenue Requirement Analysis
A revenue requirement analysis was assembled based upon the District’s financial planning/rate
model. The revenue requirement was developed using a “cash basis” methodology which is a
generally accepted3 rate making practice. Under this methodology, the District’s operation and
maintenance expenses, rate funded capital, debt service, and any change in working capital are
summed to equal the total revenue requirement. A summary of the District’s revenue
requirement analysis is shown below in Table 1.
3 “Generally accepted” ratemaking methodologies are defined and reviewed within the American Water Works
Association M‐1 Manual, Principles of Water Rates, Fees and Charges.
Revenue Requirement Analysis
Compares the sources of funds (revenues)
to the expenses of the utility to determine
the overall adjustment to rates
Cost of Service Analysis
Allocates the total revenue requirements
to the various customer classes of service
in a “fair and equitable” manner
Rate Design Analysis
Design cost‐based rates using the
results of the revenue requirement and
cost of service analyses
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 4
Otay Water District
Table 1
Summary of the District’s FY 2016/17 Revenue Requirement Analysis ($1,000) [1]
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Revenues ‐
Total Rate Revenues [2] $77,430
Miscellaneous Revenues 9,777
Total Revenues $87,207
Expenses ‐
O&M Expenses
Water Costs $50,186
Administrative Expenses 4,921
Materials and Maintenance 2,413
Labor and Benefits 19,921
Subtotal O&M Expenses $77,441
Rate Funded Capital $3,347
Debt Service 7,288
Change in Working Capital (868)
Total Revenue Requirement $87,207
Balance/Deficiency of Funds $0
[1] – The detailed revenue requirement analysis can be found on Exhibit 1 of the Technical Appendix
[2] – Rate Revenues are a blend of the rates implemented March 1, 2016 and those implemented January
1, 2017; final rate designs are based on allocated costs
In viewing Table 1, a few items should be noted. First, the revenues and expenses within this
table were derived from the District’s financial planning/rate model. HDR utilized the data and
information within that planning model to assemble the revenue requirements shown above.
Next, the rate revenues shown within this table incorporate (i.e., include) the recently adopted
January 1, 2017 water rates. This revenue requirement is based on the FY 2017 budget and
related financial assumptions including a 5.0% rate increase, which was effective January 1, 2017.
On the expense side of the analysis, the major expense item for the District is the cost of water
supply which is approximately 57% of the District’s total revenue requirement. The District does
incur significant costs associated with the operation and maintenance of their distribution system
and the capital costs associated with infrastructure renewal and replacement. Finally, the total
revenue requirement shown in Table 1 contains both potable and non‐potable costs. Given that,
the next step of the analysis was to allocate the total revenue requirement between potable and
non‐potable costs.
The allocation of the total revenue requirement between potable and non‐potable costs was
generally provided within the District’s accounting system and their financial planning and rate
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 5
Otay Water District
model. The vast majority of the costs are accounted for between these two types of services.
Provided below in Table 2 is a summary of the allocation of the total revenue requirement
between the potable and non‐potable (recycled) utilities.
Table 2
Summary of the District’s FY 2016/17 Revenue Requirement Analysis
Allocated Between Potable and Non-Potable Utilities ($1,000) [1]
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Potable
($1,000)
Non‐Potable
($1,000)
Revenues ‐
Total Rate Revenues [2] $77,430 $70,153 $7,277
Miscellaneous Revenues 9,777 8,145 1,632
Total Revenues $87,207 $78,298 $8,909
Expenses ‐
O&M Expenses
Water Costs $50,186 $46,001 $4,185
Administrative Expenses 4,921 4,590 331
Materials and Maintenance 2,413 2,109 305
Labor and Benefits 19,921 18,581 1,339
Subtotal O&M Expenses $77,441 $71,281 $6,160
Rate Funded Capital $3,347 $2,745 $602
Debt Service 7,288 6,095 1,192
Change in Working Capital (868) (1,822) 954
Total Revenue Requirement $87,207 $78,298 $8,909
Balance/Deficiency of Funds $0 $0 $0
[1] – The detailed revenue requirement analysis can be found on Exhibit 1 of the Technical Appendix
[2] – Rate Revenues are a blend of the rates implemented 3.1.16 and those implemented 1.1.17; final rate
designs are based on allocated costs
Table 2 provides the costs to be allocated within the cost of service analysis. For the potable
water system the total potable water costs of $78.3 million will be equitably allocated to the
potable water customers. Similar to the potable water analysis, the non‐potable (recycled) water
costs will be equitably allocated to the non‐potable water customers. This process is described
in more detail below.
Analytical Steps of a Cost of Service Analysis
Before discussing the results of the cost of service analysis it is important to gain an
understanding of the general approach used within a cost of service analysis. In general, there
are three analytical steps of a cost of service analysis. First, costs are functionalized and arranged
in a manner that reflects the operational function of the cost incurred (e.g., supply, treatment,
transmission, distribution, etc.). Costs are typically functionalized within a utility’s accounting
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 6
Otay Water District
system (chart of accounts). Next, the functionalized costs are classified to cost components. The
cost components are typically assigned on the basis of meeting volume or total flow, capacity
(peak use), customer and/or fire‐protection‐related needs. For example, water supply costs may
be a function of meeting total flow requirements, but also of meeting the customer demands for
peak capacity use. Finally, given the classification of the total revenue requirements to the
various cost components, they are allocated to the various customer classes of service on a
proportional basis. For example, volume or flow‐related costs are allocated to each customer
class of service (e.g., residential, multi‐residential, etc.) in proportion to the total consumption of
a particular class of service.
At the conclusion of the cost of service study, two key pieces of information are provided. First,
the cost of service provides an understanding of the total dollars to be collected from each class
of service. In other words the potable water revenue requirement is $78.3 million and the cost
of service provides an equitable method to assign that total cost between the various customer
classes of service (e.g., residential, multi‐residential, commercial, etc.). The other important
piece of information provided by the cost of service analysis is the average unit costs. Average
unit costs are the allocated costs divided by the appropriate consumption units. This provides an
understanding of the cost on a $/customer/month and $/hundred cubic feet (CCF) basis. These
average unit costs are essentially the cost‐based water rates.
A cost of service analysis was conducted for both the potable and non‐potable water systems.
The potable cost of service analysis is the more complex of the two will be discussed first.
Summary of the Potable Water Cost of Service Analysis
Provided below is a brief overview and discussion of the three analytical elements undertaken as
a part of the potable water cost of service; functionalization, classification and allocation. The
potable cost of service analysis utilizes the costs contained in Table 2 to determine the total costs
to be collected from potable water rates. Table 3 provides a summary of the amount of the total
revenue requirement to be collected from potable water rates.
Table 3
Summary of the District’s FY 2016/17 Revenue Requirement
to be Collected From Potable Rate Revenues ($1,000)
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Total Revenue Requirement $78,298
Less: Miscellaneous Potable Water Revenues (8,145)
Balance to be Collected From Potable Water
Rates $70,153
Given the target level of potable rate revenue to be collected, the focus shifted to the cost of
service analysis. Provided below is a brief overview of the analytical steps within the cost of
service analysis of functionalization, classification and allocation of costs.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 7
Otay Water District
Functionalization of the Cost Data
The first analytical step of the cost of service analysis is to functionalize the cost data.
Functionalization of the cost data is simply arranging the cost data into categories reflecting their
operational nature. In this case, the data is functionalized within the District’s accounting system
(i.e. chart of accounts) and provides sufficient detail for purposes of this study.
Classification of the Cost Data
The second analytical step of the cost of service analysis is the classification of the cost data.
Costs incurred by a water system are generally responsive to specific service requirements or
cost drivers. Classification assigns costs to the various cost drivers or cost components. The
principle service requirements that drive costs include, but are not limited to, meeting average
demands, peak use demands, the number of customers served by the system and public fire
protection requirements. Under a base/extra‐capacity cost of service methodology4 the costs
associated with meeting average day demands are considered “base‐related” costs and any costs
associated with meeting peak use demands are considered “extra‐capacity” related costs. Extra
capacity can be related to meeting peak day or peak hour demand events. As noted above, extra‐
capacity is defined as the costs associated with meeting peak use demands over and above (i.e.,
in excess of) average (base) demands.
Allocation of the Cost Data
The final step of the cost of service analysis is the allocation of the classified costs. For each type
of classified cost, an allocation factor must be developed to equitably allocate the classified costs
to the various customer classes of service (e.g., single‐family residential, multi‐family, etc.). For
example, base or average demand costs are equitably allocated to each customer class of service
based upon their average day use (average demand). Similar methods were used to equitably
allocate each of the cost classifiers.
In the cost of service analysis, the question arises as to the cost‐basis for tiered rates. In other
words, why does it cost more on a per unit basis to serve the customer consuming water in Tier
3 as opposed to Tier 1? The major cost difference associated with serving a customer in Tier 3
versus Tier 1 is primarily driven around peak use demands. A customer in Tier 3 will generally
place a greater demand on the system, compared to their average annual use, than a Tier 1
customer, and their average annual use. This usage characteristic is called a “peaking factor” and
a Tier 3 customer will have a higher peaking factor than a Tier 1 customer. For example, a Tier 3
customer may have high summer use creating large demands on the District’s system. In
response to this demand, this requires the District to oversize facilities to meet these peak use
demands, and incur greater capital costs to construct these over‐sized facilities. A basic economic
principle states that those who create the peak demand costs should pay for the peak demand
costs. By following this basic cost principle, those customers creating the peak demands on the
system in the summer, pay an equitable and proportional share of the cost of those facilities.
Stated in an alternative way, the District’s system would be considerably different (i.e., smaller
4 The base/extra‐capacity cost of service methodology is a generally accepted cost of service methodology.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 8
Otay Water District
and less expensive capital investment) if all customers consumed water in a manner similar to
Tier 1 customers.
HDR spent considerable time reviewing individual customer data and information to estimate
and determine reasonable peaking factors by customer class of service. This information is used
to equitably allocate the capacity related costs within this study.
Summary of the Potable Cost of Service Analysis
Provided below is a summary of the allocation of the total revenue requirements by customer
class of service.
Table 4
Summary of the Potable Revenue Requirement Allocated
to the Various Potable Water Customer Classes of Service ($1,000) [1]
Customer Class of Service
Present
Rate
Revenues
($1,000) [1]
Allocated
Revenue
Requirement
($1,000)
Bal./(Defic.)
of Funds
($1,000)
% Change
in Rates
Residential $40,665 $40,408 $258 0.6%
Multi‐Residential 7,832 7,706 127 1.6%
Commercial 9,145 9,152 (8) 0.1%
Irrigation 10,347 10,693 (346) 3.3%
Energy Fees 2,164 2,195 (31) 1.4%
Total Net Revenue
Requirement $70,153 $70,153 $0 0.0%
[1] – Rate Revenues are a blend of the rates implemented March 1, 2016 and those implemented January 1,
2017; final rate designs are based on allocated costs (i.e., allocated revenue requirement)
The above results indicate that the customer classes of service are at or near their cost of service.
This means that the District’s overall revenues collected from each customer class of service is
reasonably close to their “cost of service.” In making this statement, it is important to note that
a cost of service study is an analysis of a point in time and the District’s costs, customer
consumption patterns and total usage change over time. In that respect, a cost of service is a
static analysis of a dynamic and ever‐changing situation. The recent drought in California has
clearly pointed this fact out.
Summary of the Potable Cost of Service Average Unit Costs
As discussed previously, the cost of service also provides average unit costs, or the starting point
for the design of final cost‐based potable water rates. Average unit costs are simply the classified
cost (base, extra‐capacity, customer, etc.) divided by the appropriate consumption units (CCF
annual usage or number of customers/meters).
While Table 4 above summarized the results of the cost of service analysis by customer class of
service, the cost of service also contains sufficient detail to understand costs by pricing tier.
Provided below in Table 5 is a summary of the average unit costs for the potable cost of service
analysis.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 9
Otay Water District
Table 5
Summary of the Residential and Multi-Residential Potable Cost of Service Average Unit Costs
System
Cost Component Average Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3
Consumption
Calculated Cost $3.98 $3.03 $5.40 $6.97 $2.83 $5.13 $6.30 $3.58 $3.58 $3.58 $5.23 $5.23 $5.23
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17) $3.95 $5.13 $7.90 $3.90 $5.05 $7.80 $4.17 $4.23 $4.30 $5.68 $5.74 $5.81
$ / CCF Difference ($0.92) $0.27 ($0.93) ($1.07) $0.08 ($1.50) ($0.59) ($0.65) ($0.72) ($0.45) ($0.51) ($0.58)
Fixed Charge ($/Mth ‐ 3/4" Mtr)
Calculated Cost $20.63 $17.24 $37.91 $35.71 $30.15
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17) $15.91 $15.91 $15.91 $15.91 $15.91
$ / CCF Difference $4.72 $1.33 $22.00 $19.80 $14.24
CWA / MWD Charge
Calculated Cost $15.18 $15.18 $15.18 $15.18 $15.18
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17) $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00
$ / CCF Difference $0.18 $0.18 $0.18 $0.18 $0.18
Energy Fee / Charge ($/CCF)
Calculated Cost $0.0
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17)$0.04
$ / CCF Difference $0.0
Irrigation
Energ
Residential Multi‐Residential Commercial
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 10
Otay Water District
In viewing the above table, it can be seen that there are differences in the per unit rates which
are currently in effect (effective January 1, 2017) and the calculated average unit costs. While
Table 4 demonstrated that each class of service appears to be paying their relative cost of service
(total dollars), the average unit costs illustrates cost differences in the various cost components.
One of the main focuses of this study is on the tiered rates for residential and multi‐residential
customers. The top portion of Table 5 compares the calculated per unit cost to the current rates5.
For residential, the analysis indicates that the current 1st and 3rd tier pricing is too high, and the
2nd tier is below cost. This result is not particularly surprising since, as noted above, consumption
and usage patterns have dramatically changed over time and in more recent years. The current
rates were originally developed in 2013 and the consumption and usage patterns of residential
customers have changed in recent years as a result of the drought. Total consumption has
declined almost 25% over this time period and peak summer use has also declined, resulting in
lower peaking factors for the third tier and lower per unit costs. The reduction in the cost of the
first tier can be primarily explained in conjunction with the fixed charge. The calculated fixed
charge has increased for residential which is off‐set by the lower per unit consumption charge
for Tier 1. Interestingly, multi‐residential has a similar profile in terms of the pricing between
Tiers 1, 2 and 3.
For commercial and irrigation customers it was concluded that a uniform consumption charge
would be appropriate. The present rates have tiered pricing, but the price differential between
the tiers results in essentially a uniform rate. For that reason, along with a desire for
simplification in the overall rate structure, a uniform consumption charge approach is used.
The fixed charges, based upon meter size, are the other major component of the District’s
potable water rate structure. At the present time, the District has a single schedule of meter
charges which vary by meter size (¾” – 10”). In calculating the average unit costs for fixed
charges, they were calculated on an individual class of service basis and by the overall system
average total. The overall system average total is $20.63/month for a 3/4” meter. This compares
to the current fixed meter charge of $15.91/month for a 3/4” meter. The analysis also calculated
fixed meter charges for each class of service and these range from $17.24/month for a 3/4” meter
to $37.91/month for a 3/4” meter. The obvious question is why do the fixed meter charges vary
for the different classes of service? The answer is that certain costs which are collected within
the fixed meter charges were not allocated within the cost of service study on a per meter basis,
but they are collected within the rates on a per meter basis. A simple example will illustrate this
issue. Public fire protection costs are related to fire hydrants, along with the over‐sizing of
distribution mains and storage to provide public fire protection. These costs are classified as
being public fire protection‐related and then allocated to each customer class of service on the
basis of each group’s fire protection requirements (gallons per minute of fire flow and the
duration of flow). A residential customer does not have the same fire flow requirements as a
large multi‐residential or commercial building. A large multi‐residential or commercial building
5 Residential currently has four (4) pricing tiers, with the first tier being a “conservation tier.” This initial
“conservation tier was eliminated, since by definition, it is a below‐cost tier to encourage conservation from low
users.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 11
Otay Water District
requires a greater gallon per minute flow and for a longer duration. Given that, those customers
are equitably allocated a greater proportion of the public fire protection costs. How these costs,
and other similar costs, are recouped within the rates is what creates the differential in the
monthly fixed meter charge. While it may appear that the fixed meter charge is increasing
significantly for some customer classes of service, it should be pointed out that the fixed meter
charge is a relatively smaller portion of the multi‐residential and commercial customer’s total
water bill, compared to a residential customer. This aspect of the analysis will be discussed in
more detail in the rate design section.
The other fixed meter charge is the CWA/MWD Charge. This is essentially a “pass‐through” cost
within the cost of service study. In this case, the District incurs the cost on a per meter basis and
it is allocated on a per meter basis. Given that, the meter charge is the same for all customer
classes of service. Finally, the energy charges are also a cost which is segregated in the cost of
service and passed directly through and charged on a $/CCF basis.
The above discussion has provided an overview and understanding of the calculated average unit
costs from the cost of service study. As will be seen below, these average unit costs form the
cost‐basis for the District’s rate design structures developed as a part of this study.
Review of the Potable Rate Design Structures
The District currently has four potable water rate schedules (structures). These are as follows:
Residential
Multi‐Residential
Commercial
Irrigation
Provided below is a detailed discussion for each class of service. In developing these rate
structures, HDR developed a structure that uses the individual fixed monthly meter charges for
each customer class of service, along with the calculated average unit costs for the consumption
charges. These unit costs are those shown above in Table 5.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 12
Otay Water District
Residential Rate Design Structure
Provided below in Table 6 is a summary of the present and proposed residential rate structure.
Table 6
Review of the Residential Rate Design
Current Residential Rate Proposed Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee [1] ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$17.24
1” 22.47 1”24.36
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”42.15
2” 58.55 2”63.48
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee [1] ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4” $15.00 3/4”$15.20
1” 27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2” 62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2” 107.08 2”108.51
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
1 – 5 [2] $2.53/CCF 1 –10 $3.03/CCF
6 – 10 $3.95/CCF 11 –22 $5.40/CCF
11 – 22 $5.13/CCF 23 –Over $6.97/CCF
23 – up $7.90/CCF
[1] – Current rate schedule has fees for 3” through 10” meters. Largest residential meter currently installed
is a 2” meter.
[2] – Customers whose total consumption is 10 units or less per month shall receive a benefit of a lower rate
for units 1 – 5. One unit (CCF) equals 748 gallons.
As can be seen in Table 6, the proposed residential rate has simplified the rate structure and used
the average unit pricing from the cost of service analysis. The proposed residential rate also uses
the residential monthly system fee of $17.24/month. The MWD/CWA fee has been adjusted to
the cost of service levels. Finally, the consumptive units have eliminated the “conservation tier”
in the existing rate and simplified the rate structure to three tiers, using the pricing from the cost
of service average unit cost analysis.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 13
Otay Water District
Understanding the impacts to customers from these changes can be determined within a bill
comparison. Provided below is the residential bill comparison for the current and proposed
rates. The bill comparison is used to compare the present residential bill to the proposed
residential bills at various levels of consumption.
In reviewing the residential bill comparisons, the blue bar is the average residential use. This bill
comparison assumes a customer with a 3/4” meter.
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $30.91 $32.44 $1.53 4.9%
1 33.44 35.47 2.03 6.1%
2 35.97 38.50 2.53 7.0%
3 38.50 41.53 3.03 7.9%
4 41.03 44.56 3.53 8.6%
5 43.56 47.59 4.03 9.3%
6 47.51 50.62 3.11 6.5%
7 51.46 53.65 2.19 4.3%
8 55.41 56.68 1.27 2.3%
9 59.36 59.71 0.35 0.6%
10 63.31 62.74 (0.57)‐0.9%
25 148.57 148.45 (0.12)‐0.1%
45 306.57 287.85 (18.72)‐6.1%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
3/4"$15.91 3/4"$17.24
CWA / MWD Fees $/Acct.CWA / MWD Fees $/Acct.
3/4"$15.00 3/4"$15.20
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
1 ‐ 5*$2.53 0 ‐ 10 $3.03
5 ‐ 10 3.95 10 ‐ 22 5.40
10 ‐ 22 5.13 22 +6.97
22 +7.90
*Customers must use < 10 CCF to be eligible for tier 1 pricing
Present Rates Proposed Rates
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2018
Difference
Residential Rates ‐ 3/4"
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 14
Otay Water District
Multi‐Residential Rate Design Structure
Provided below in Table 7 is a summary of the present multi‐residential rate and the proposed
multi‐residential rate design structure.
Table 7
Review of the Multi-Residential Rate Design
Current Multi‐Residential Rate Proposed Multi‐Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$37.90
1” 22.47 1”53.53
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”92.62
2” 58.55 2”139.47
3” 111.04 3”264.51
4” 170.10 4”405.20
6” 334.18 6”796.07
8 531.05 8 1,265.04
10” 760.72 10”1,812.15
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4” $15.00 3/4”$15.20
1” 27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2” 62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2” 107.08 2”108.51
3” 227.75 3”230.79
4” 364.72 4”369.58
6” 746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10” 1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
1 – 4 $3.90/CCF 1 – 4 $2.83/CCF
5 – 9 $5.05/CCF 5 – 9 $5.13/CCF
10 – up $7.80/CCF 10 –up $6.30/CCF
The present multi‐residential rate is similar to the residential rate, but the usage charges do not
contain a “conservation tier” and there are three price tiers with slightly different block sizes to
reflect the usage characteristics of this customer group.6
6 Tier (block) sizes were reviewed in detail as a part of the 2013 comprehensive rate review conducted by Atkins.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 15
Otay Water District
The proposed rate for multi‐residential is similar to the residential design rate. The weighting of
the larger sized meters is consistent with the District’s current weighting approach which is
appropriate, equitable and reflective of costs. Provided below is the bill comparison for the
proposed multi‐residential rate design.
In viewing the above bill comparison it is important to note that the above bill comparison
assumes a customer with a 3” meter and on a per living unit basis. The bill impacts will vary
between multi‐residential customers by meter size and number of dwelling units. In other words,
the bill impacts for a customer with a 1” meter and 10 dwelling units will be different than
customer using the same amount of water, but a larger meter and different number of dwelling
units.
It should also be understood that the proposed fees use a monthly system fee which is based
upon the customer class specific costs for these charges.
Consumption
per Dwelling Present Proposed
Unit (CCF) Rates Rates $ %
1 $10.52 $13.81 $3.29 31.3%
2 $14.32 $17.02 $2.70 18.9%
3 $22.23 $26.05 $3.82 17.2%
4 $24.45 $26.42 $1.97 8.1%
5 $30.05 $32.31 $2.26 7.5%
6 $34.85 $37.00 $2.15 6.2%
7 $39.70 $41.81 $2.11 5.3%
8 $43.56 $45.79 $2.23 5.1%
9 $53.08 $57.17 $4.09 7.7%
10 $58.27 $61.05 $2.78 4.8%
11 $69.27 $72.21 $2.94 4.2%
12 $74.44 $74.64 $0.20 0.3%
15 $92.03 $89.93 ($2.10)‐2.3%
18 $122.20 $120.74 ($1.46)‐1.2%
20 $139.41 $132.86 ($6.55)‐4.7%
22 $155.39 $143.85 ($11.54)‐7.4%
25 $175.96 $161.07 ($14.89)‐8.5%
CWA/MWD $/Acct.$/Acct.
3"$111.04 3"$264.51
System Fee $/Acct.$/Acct.
3"$227.75 3"$230.79
$/CCF $/CCF
0 ‐ 4 $3.90 0 ‐ 4 $2.83
5 ‐ 9 $5.05 5 ‐ 9 $5.13
10 +$7.80 10 +$6.30
Otay Water District
Water Cost of Service Study
Multi‐Family Rates
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2018
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
Consumption Charge Consumption Charge
CWA/MWD
System Fee
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 16
Otay Water District
Commercial Rate Design Structure
The proposed commercial rate design structure uses a uniform rate structure, which greatly
simplifies the commercial rate structure. Provided below in Table 8 is a summary of the present
and proposed commercial rate design structure.
Table 8
Review of the Commercial Rate Design
Current Commercial Rate Proposed Commercial Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$35.70
1” 22.47 1”50.42
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”87.24
2” 58.55 2”131.38
3” 111.04 3”249.16
4” 170.10 4”381.68
6” 334.18 6”749.86
8 531.05 8 1,191.61
10” 760.72 10”1,706.96
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4” $15.00 3/4”$15.20
1” 27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2” 62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2” 107.08 2”108.51
3” 227.75 3”230.79
4” 364.72 4”369.58
6” 746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10” 1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
Less than a 10” Meter All Usage $3.58/CCF
1 – 185 $4.17/CCF
186 – 1,400 $4.23/CCF
1,401 – up $4.30CCF
10” Meter and Greater
0 – 7,426 $4.17/CCF
7,427–
14,616 $4.23/CCF
14,617 ‐ up $4.30CCF
As can be seen in the above table, the present commercial rate is somewhat complicated in that
the tier sizes vary by meter size, yet the pricing of each comparable tier is the same. At the same
time, the price differential between the tiers is relatively minor, thus, movement to a uniform
rate structure appeared appropriate.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 17
Otay Water District
Provided below is the bill comparison for a commercial customer, assuming a customer with a 2”
meter. The bill impacts will vary by meter size and the specific consumption characteristics of
the customer.
Similar to the prior rate designs discussed, the proposed commercial rate uses the customer class
specific unit cost to establish the monthly system fee.
Irrigation Rate Design Structure
The final potable water rate is the irrigation rate. The irrigation rate structure uses a uniform
rate structure. Similar to the discussion related to the commercial rates, the proposed irrigation
rate greatly simplifies the overall structure since the current rate has three meter size categories
for determining the various tier sizes.
Provided below in Table 9 is a summary of the present and proposed irrigation rate design
structure.
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $165.63 $239.92 $74.29 44.9%
5 186.48 257.82 71.34 38.3%
10 207.33 275.72 68.39 33.0%
25 269.88 329.42 59.54 22.1%
50 374.13 418.92 44.79 12.0%
75 478.38 508.42 30.04 6.3%
100 582.63 597.92 15.29 2.6%
135 728.58 723.22 (5.36)‐0.7%
170 874.53 848.52 (26.01)‐3.0%
205 1,021.68 973.82 (47.86)‐4.7%
240 1,169.73 1,099.12 (70.61)‐6.0%
275 1,317.78 1,224.42 (93.36)‐7.1%
310 1,465.83 1,349.72 (116.11)‐7.9%
345 1,613.88 1,475.02 (138.86)‐8.6%
380 1,761.93 1,600.32 (161.61)‐9.2%
415 1,909.98 1,725.62 (184.36)‐9.7%
450 2,058.03 1,850.92 (207.11)‐10.1%
485 2,206.08 1,976.22 (229.86)‐10.4%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
2"$58.55 2"$131.42
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
2"$107.08 2"$108.51
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
0 ‐ 185 $4.17 All Use $3.58
186 ‐ 1,400 4.23
1,400 +4.30
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2018
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
y
Commercial Rates ‐ 2"
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 18
Otay Water District
Table 9
Review of the Irrigation Rate Design
Current Irrigation Rate Proposed Irrigation Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$30.15
1” 22.47 1”42.58
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”73.68
2” 58.55 2”110.95
3” 111.04 3”210.42
4” 170.10 4”322.35
6” 334.18 6”633.28
8 531.05 8 1,006.36
10” 760.72 10”1,441.59
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4” $15.00 3/4”$15.20
1” 27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2” 62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2” 107.08 2”108.51
3” 227.75 3”230.79
4” 364.72 4”369.58
6” 746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10” 1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
3/4” to 1” Meter All Usage $5.23/CCF
1 – 54 $5.68/CCF
55 –199 $5.74/CCF
200 – up $5.81/CCF
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
0 – 144 $5.68/CCF
145 – 355 $5.74/CCF
356 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
3” Meter and Greater
0 – 555 $5.68/CCF
551 –
1,200 $5.74/CCF
1,201 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 19
Otay Water District
The proposed irrigation rate has utilized the average unit cost information from the cost of
service analysis to establish the proposed rate. Provided below is the irrigation bill comparison
for the irrigation rate structure.
In viewing the above irrigation bill comparison it is important to note that the above bill
comparison assumes a customer with a 2” meter. The bill impacts will vary between customers
by meter size. In other words, the bill impacts for a customer with a 1” meter will be different
than customer using the same amount of water, but a larger meter.
It should also be understood that proposed rates use the customer class specific unit cost to
establish the monthly system fee.
Summary of the Potable Rate Study
HDR has developed a comprehensive review of the District’s potable water rates. This included
the establishment of a revenue requirement to determine the District’s overall revenue needs.
Next, a cost of service analysis was developed to equitably allocate the revenue requirements to
the customer classes of service, and finally, rate structures were developed to collect the
appropriate level of revenue using the average unit costs derived from the cost of service
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $165.63 $219.46 $53.83 32.5%
15 250.83 297.91 47.08 18.8%
30 336.03 376.36 40.33 12.0%
45 421.23 454.81 33.58 8.0%
60 506.43 533.26 26.83 5.3%
75 591.63 611.71 20.08 3.4%
90 676.83 690.16 13.33 2.0%
105 762.03 768.61 6.58 0.9%
120 847.23 847.06 (0.17) 0.0%
135 932.43 925.51 (6.92)‐0.7%
150 1,017.99 1,003.96 (14.03)‐1.4%
165 1,104.09 1,082.41 (21.68)‐2.0%
180 1,190.19 1,160.86 (29.33)‐2.5%
195 1,276.29 1,239.31 (36.98)‐2.9%
210 1,362.39 1,317.76 (44.63)‐3.3%
225 1,448.49 1,396.21 (52.28)‐3.6%
240 1,534.59 1,474.66 (59.93)‐3.9%
255 1,620.69 1,553.11 (67.58)‐4.2%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
2"$58.55 2"$110.95
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
2"$107.08 2"$108.51
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
0 ‐ 144 $5.68 All Use $5.23
144 ‐ 355 5.74
355 +5.81
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2017
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
Irrigation Rates ‐ 2"
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 20
Otay Water District
analysis. The proposed rates, as developed herein, are in the opinion of HDR, cost‐based and
equitable.
Review of the Recycled Water Cost of Service and Rates
Recycled water currently has two rates; a rate for recycled commercial and recycled irrigation
customers. The analysis of recycled water rates uses the same analytical framework as the
potable study which entailed a revenue requirement analysis, a cost of service analysis and the
design of rates. Provided below is a discussion of each of these elements.
Recycled Water Revenue Requirement
The discussion above provided the District’s total revenue requirement (Table 1), along with the
allocation of the total revenue requirement between potable and non‐potable (i.e., recycled)
(Table 2). From Table 2, the target level of recycled rate revenues to be collected can be
determined. This is summarized below in Table 10.
Table 10
Summary of the District’s FY 2016/17 Revenue Requirement
to be Collected From Recycled Rate Revenues ($1,000)
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Total Recycled Revenue Requirement $8,909
Less: Miscellaneous Recycled Water Revenues (1,632)
Balance to be Collected From Recycled Water Rates $7,277
Given the recycled revenue requirement, the next step is to the equitable allocation of the
recycled water revenue requirement.
Recycled Water Cost of Service Analysis
As discussed above, the District currently has two different recycled water rates; commercial and
irrigation. Given that, the recycled water cost of service analysis will allocate the total recycled
water revenue requirement between the recycled commercial and recycled irrigation customers
using a cost of service analysis framework.
The recycled water cost of service is not as complex as the potable water cost of service analysis,
but uses many of the same cost of service principles. The recycled water cost of service analysis
began by reviewing the total plant assets of the recycled water system. The plant assets were
assigned between “Common to All” and “Direct Assignment – Recycled Irrigation”. This
distinction is made since much of the recycled water plant assets are shared by all recycled water
customers, whereas other facilities appear to be primarily benefiting only the recycled irrigation
customers. Recycled commercial customers have provided their own recycled storage facilities
and, therefore, are not assigned a portion of the District’s recycled water storage facilities. In
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 21
Otay Water District
this case, approximately 78% of the District’s recycled water assets are “Common to All” and the
balance, or 22% are directly assigned to recycled irrigation customers.
The plant asset assignments were used to equitably assign the recycled water costs (i.e., the
revenue requirements). Similar to the potable water study, the “Common to All” costs were
further classified between base (volumetric use) and capacity (peak use). This classification was
based upon the recycled water system’s average use to peak use characteristics. The costs are
then equitably allocated between recycled commercial and recycled irrigation based upon their
volumetric use and peak use. In analyzing peak use, the District had detailed daily metered
information for the recycled commercial customers. The peak use for the recycled irrigation was
developed in a manner similar to the potable water peaking analysis which used average month
and peak month data to establish reasonable estimates. The results of the analysis clearly
indicated that recycled commercial customers have a lower peaking factor (i.e. peak use impact
on the system) than recycled irrigation customers. This result was not surprising since recycled
commercial customer have their own recycled storage which allows them to manage their
demands and minimize their peak use on the District’s system.
A summary of the recycled water cost of service analysis is shown below in Table 11.
Table 11
Summary of the Recycled Water Cost of Service Analysis ($1,000)
Customer Class of Service
Present
Rate
Revenues
($1,000)[1]
Allocated
Revenue
Requirement
($1,000)
Bal./(Defic.)
of Funds
($1,000)
% Change
in Rates
Recycled Commercial $745 $692 $53 7.1%
Recycled Irrigation 6,153 6,016 137 2.2%
Energy Fees 379 569 (190) 50.1%
Total Net Revenue Requirement $7,277 $7,277 $0 0.0%
[1] – Rate Revenues are a blend of the rates implemented March 1, 2016 and those implemented January 1,
2017; final rate designs are based on allocated costs
As can be seen, the cost of service analysis indicates cost differences between recycled
commercial and recycled irrigation customers on a per unit basis (i.e., $/CCF). These cost
differences will be reflected in the development of the recycled water rates.
Recycled Water Rate Design
There currently are two recycled water rate designs. Each recycled water rate design is
structured in a manner similar to the corresponding potable water rate. There is a difference in
the tier block sizes between the potable commercial and recycled commercial rate. Given the
similarities between the current rates, the recycled water rate structures developed as part of
this study are similar to the potable water rates for commercial and irrigation.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 22
Otay Water District
Recycled Commercial Water Rates – Provided below in Table 12 is a summary of the recycled
commercial water rate design structure.
Table 12
Review of the Recycled Commercial Rate Design
Current Recycled Comm. Rate Proposed Recycled Comm. Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$35.71
1”22.47 1”50.43
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”87.27
2”58.55 2”131.42
3”111.04 3”249.23
4”170.10 4”381.79
6”334.18 6”750.07
8 531.05 8 1,191.94
10” 760.72 10”1,707.44
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
Less than a 10” Meter All Usage $2.89/CCF
1 – 173 $3.53/CCF
174 – 831 $3.60/CCF
832 – up $3.65/CCF
10” Meter and Greater
0 – 7,426 $3.53/CCF
7,427–
14,616 $3.60/CCF
14,617 ‐ up $3.65/CCF
As can be seen, this rate design utilizes the same monthly system fee (meter charge) design as
the potable commercial rates. Recycled water customers are not assessed the CWA/MWD fee.
The usage charge is designed to collect the appropriate level of revenue for this particular
customer class of service.
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 23
Otay Water District
Provided below is the bill comparison for the recycled commercial water customers.
The above bill comparison has assumed a 6” meter. There are only two customers currently
associated with this recycled water rate schedule. The bill impacts will vary between customers
by meter size. In other words, the bill impacts for a customer with a 1” meter will be different
than customer using the same amount of water, but a larger meter.
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $334.18 $749.86 $415.68 124.4%
2,000 7,580.47 6,529.86 (1,050.61)‐13.9%
2,500 9,405.47 7,974.86 (1,430.61)‐15.2%
3,000 11,230.47 9,419.86 (1,810.61)‐16.1%
3,500 13,055.47 10,864.86 (2,190.61)‐16.8%
4,000 14,880.47 12,309.86 (2,570.61)‐17.3%
4,500 16,705.47 13,754.86 (2,950.61)‐17.7%
5,000 18,530.47 15,199.86 (3,330.61)‐18.0%
5,500 20,355.47 16,644.86 (3,710.61)‐18.2%
6,000 22,180.47 18,089.86 (4,090.61)‐18.4%
6,500 24,005.47 19,534.86 (4,470.61)‐18.6%
7,000 25,830.47 20,979.86 (4,850.61)‐18.8%
7,500 27,655.47 22,424.86 (5,230.61)‐18.9%
8,000 29,480.47 23,869.86 (5,610.61)‐19.0%
8,500 31,305.47 25,314.86 (5,990.61)‐19.1%
9,000 33,130.47 26,759.86 (6,370.61)‐19.2%
9,500 34,955.47 28,204.86 (6,750.61)‐19.3%
10,000 36,780.47 29,649.86 (7,130.61)‐19.4%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
6"$334.18 6"$749.86
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
0 ‐ 144 $3.53 All Use $2.89
144 ‐ 355 3.60
355 +3.65
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2017
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
y
Recycled Commercial Rates ‐ 6"
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 24
Otay Water District
Recycled Irrigation Water Rates –
Provided below in Table 13 is a summary of the recycled irrigation water rate design structure.
Similar to the recycled commercial rate design, the proposed rate design has simplified the
structure and moved to a uniform consumption charge based upon the average unit costs
obtained from the recycled cost of service analysis.
Table 13
Review of the Recycled Irrigation Rate Design
Current Recycled Irrigation Rate Proposed Recycled Irrigation
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4” $15.91 3/4”$30.15
1” 22.47 1”42.58
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2”73.68
2” 58.55 2”110.95
3” 111.04 3”210.42
4” 170.10 4”322.35
6” 334.18 6”633.28
8 531.05 8 1,006.36
10” 760.72 10”1,441.59
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
3/4” to 1” Meter All Usage $4.09/CCF
1 – 32 $5.68/CCF
33 – 75 $5.74/CCF
76 – up $5.81/CCF
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
0 – 130 $5.68/CCF
131 – 325 $5.74/CCF
326 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
3” – 4” Meter
0 – 440 $5.68/CCF
441 – 1,050 $5.74/CCF
1,051 ‐up $5.81/CCF
6” Meter and Greater
0 – 4,000 $5.68/CCF
4,001–
10,000 $5.74/CCF
10,001 – up $5.81/CCF
Review of the District’s Potable and Recycled Water Rates 25
Otay Water District
Provided below is a bill comparison for this rate structure.
The above bill comparison for the recycled irrigation customers has assumed a 1.5” meter. The
bill impacts will vary between customers by meter size. In other words, the bill impacts for a
customer with a 1” meter will be different than customer using the same amount of water, but
a larger meter.
This concludes the discussion of the recycled water rates.
Summary
This technical memorandum has discussed the technical analysis undertaken to review the
District’s potable and recycled water rates. The rates, as developed herein, have been developed
utilizing generally accepted ratemaking principles and methodologies and they have been
developed and are intended to comply with the requirements of Proposition 218, as it is currently
defined and understood.
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $38.88 $73.68 $34.80 89.5%
15 111.63 135.03 23.40 21.0%
30 184.38 196.38 12.00 6.5%
45 257.13 257.73 0.60 0.2%
60 329.88 319.08 (10.80)‐3.3%
75 402.63 380.43 (22.20)‐5.5%
90 475.38 441.78 (33.60)‐7.1%
105 548.13 503.13 (45.00)‐8.2%
120 620.88 564.48 (56.40)‐9.1%
135 693.63 625.83 (67.80)‐9.8%
150 766.38 687.18 (79.20)‐10.3%
165 839.13 748.53 (90.60)‐10.8%
180 912.37 809.88 (102.49)‐11.2%
195 986.17 871.23 (114.94)‐11.7%
210 1,059.97 932.58 (127.39)‐12.0%
225 1,133.77 993.93 (139.84)‐12.3%
240 1,207.57 1,055.28 (152.29)‐12.6%
255 1,281.37 1,116.63 (164.74)‐12.9%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
1 1/2" $38.88 1 1/2" $73.68
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
0 ‐ 144 $4.85 All Use $4.09
144 ‐ 355 4.92
355 +4.99
Recycled Irrigation Rates ‐ 1 1/2"
Proposed Rates: Year 1 ‐ FY 2017
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
Review of the
District’s Water Rates
Presented by:Tom Gould
HDR Engineering, Inc.
Attachment C
Introduction and Overview
Discuss the District’s current
water rates and their cost-basis
Review the District’s current
rates
Proposition 218 and rate setting
Review the technical analysis
undertaken
Summarize the findings and
conclusions
Review the rate design
Gain study feedback and policy direction
2
Overview of the District’s Current Potable Water Rates
3
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2”38.88
2”58.55
3” ‐ 10" Varies *
3/4”$15.00
1”27.84
1‐1/2”62.96
2”107.08
3” ‐ 10" Varies *
1 – 185 $4.17/CCF
186 – 1,400 $4.23/CCF
1,401 – up $4.30CCF
0 – 7,426 $4.17/CCF
7,427– 14,616 $4.23/CCF
14,617 ‐ up $4.30CCF
* ‐ Same as Multi ‐Residential
Less than a 10” Meter
10” Meter and Greater
Current Commercial Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
Plus: Usage Charges
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2”38.88
2”58.55
3”111.04
4”170.10
6”334.18
8531.05
10”760.72
3/4”$15.00
1”27.84
1‐1/2”62.96
2”107.08
3”227.75
4”364.72
6”746.59
81,205.65
10”1,735.39
1 – 4$3.90/CCF
5 – 9$5.05/CCF
10 – up $7.80/CCF
Current Multi‐Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
Plus: Usage Charges
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2” 38.88
2”58.55
3/4”$15.00
1”27.84
1‐1/2” 62.96
2”107.08
1 – 5** $2.53/CCF
6 – 10 $3.95/CCF
11 – 22 $5.13/CCF
23 – up $7.90/CCF
* Conservation tier
Current Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee [1] ‐
Plus: Usage Charges
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2”38.88
2”58.55
3” ‐ 10" Varies *
3/4”$15.00
1”27.84
1‐1/2”62.96
2”107.08
3” ‐ 10" Varies *
1 – 54 $5.68/CCF
55 – 199 $5.74/CCF
200 – up $5.81/CCF
0 – 144 $5.68/CCF
145 – 355 $5.74/CCF
356 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
0 – 555 $5.68/CCF
551 – 1,200 $5.74/CCF
1,201 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
Current Irrigation Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4” to 1” Meter
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
3” Meter and Greater
* ‐ Same as Multi‐Residential
Plus: Usage Charges
Overview of the District’s Current Recycled Water Rates
4
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2”38.88
2”58.55
3” ‐ 10" Varies *
1 – 32 $5.68/CCF
33 – 75 $5.74/CCF
76 – up $5.81/CCF
0 – 130 $5.68/CCF
131 – 325 $5.74/CCF
326 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
0 – 440 $5.68/CCF
441 – 1,050 $5.74/CCF
1,051 ‐up $5.81/CCF
0 – 4,000 $5.68/CCF
4,001– 10,000 $5.74/CCF
10,001 – up $5.81/CCF
* ‐ Same as Recycled Comm.
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: Usage Charges
3/4” to 1” Meter
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
3” – 4” Meter
6” Meter and Greater
Current Recycled Irrigation Rate
3/4”$15.91
1”22.47
1‐1/2”38.88
2”58.55
3”111.04
4”170.10
6”334.18
8531.05
10”760.72
1 – 173 $3.53/CCF
174 – 831 $3.60/CCF
832 – up $3.65/CCF
0 – 7,426 $3.53/CCF
7,427– 14,616 $3.60/CCF
14,617 ‐ up $3.65/CCF
Current Recycled Comm. Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐
Plus: Usage Charges
Less than a 10” Meter
10” Meter and Greater
Proposition 218 and Rate Setting
Proposition 218 is a constitutional amendment
designed to protect taxpayers by limiting the
methods by which local governments can
create or increase taxes, fees and charges
without taxpayer consent
Proposition 218 is not prescriptive in defining a
“cost-based” rate
In part, Proposition 218 requires
Fees shall not exceed the reasonable cost of
providing the service
Fees shall not exceed the proportional cost of
providing the service
5
Cost of Service
Rate Design
Revenue Requirement
Compares the revenues of the utility to
its expenses to determine the overall
level of rate adjustment
Equitably allocates the revenue
requirements between the various
customer classes of service
Design rates for each class of service
to reflect the cost of providing service
to the customer group
Analytical Framework
for Establishing Cost-Based Rates
6
Summary of the
Revenue Requirement Analysis
7
Establishing the Overall Cost Basis –
Revenue Requirement Analysis
Revenue requirement compares the District’s overall revenues to its expenses (costs)
Considers the proper and adequate funding of the utility
Includes both operating costs and capital (infrastructure)
costs
Takes into consideration other financial planning criteria
Debt service coverage covenants
Adequacy of reserves
The District’s revenue requirement for this study is based
upon the FY 2016/17 adopted budget
8
Summary of the FY 16/17
Revenue Requirement Analysis ($000)
9
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Revenues ‐
Total Rate Revenues $77,430
Miscellaneous Revenues 9,777
Total Revenues $87,207
Expenses ‐
O&M Expenses
Water Costs $50,186
Administrative Expenses 4,921
Materials and Maintenance 2,413
Labor and Benefits 19,921
Subtotal O&M Expenses $77,441
Rate Funded Capital 3,347
Debt Service 7,288
Change in Working Capital (868)
Total Revenue Requirement $87,207
Balance/Deficiency of Funds $0
Summary of the Revenue Requirement Analysis
Total FY 16/17 revenues balance to total expenses
Revenues are a blend of the March 1, 2016
and January 1, 2017 rate adjustments
Study is a “revenue neutral” analysis of the
rates
Major expense for the utility is purchased
water (57% of total costs)
Total revenue requirement includes the total
costs associated with providing both potable
and non-potable water supply and delivery
Next Step: Allocate costs between potable and non-potable
10
Allocation of Total Costs Between Potable Water
and Non-Potable (Recycled) Water ($000)
11
Revenue Requirement Components
Total
($1,000)
Potable
($1,000)
Non‐Potable
($1,000)
Revenues ‐
Total Rate Revenues $77,430 $70,153 $7,277
Miscellaneous Revenues 9,689 8,145 1,632
Total Revenues $87,207 $78,298 $8,909
Expenses ‐
O&M Expenses
Water Costs $50,186 $46,001 4,185
Administrative Expenses 4,921 4,590 331
Materials and Maintenance 2,413 2,109 305
Labor and Benefits 19,921 18,581 1,339
Subtotal O&M Expenses $77,441 $71,281 $6,160
Rate Funded Capital 3,347 2,745 602
Debt Service 7,288 6,095 1,192
Change in Working Capital (868)(1,822) 954
Total Revenue Requirement $87,207 $78,298 $8,909
Balance/Deficiency of Funds $0 $0 $0
Summary of the
Cost of Service Analysis
12
Overview of the Cost of Service Analysis
A cost of service analysis is:
A method to equitably allocate the revenue requirements of
the utility between the various customer classes of service
(e.g. residential, commercial, etc.)
The cost of service provides two key pieces of
information
Allocated total costs to each class of service
Average unit costs
$/Customer/Month (Equivalent Meter Cost)
$/CCF
13
‐Sources of Supply
- Treatment
- Pumping
-Etc.
CLASSIFICATION ALLOCATION
Revenue
Requirements
FUNCTIONALIZATION Cost of Service
Extra Capacity
Related
Base (Flow)Related
Customer
Related
Residential
Multi-Resid.
Commercial
Residential
Multi-Resid.
Commercial
Residential
Multi-Resid.
Commercial
Residential
Cost of Service
Multi-Residential
Cost of Service
Commercial
Cost of Service
Simplified Overview of a Cost of Service Analysis
-Tier 1
-Tier 2
-Tier 3
-Tier 1
-Tier 2
-Tier 3
14
Summary of the District’s Allocated Potable Costs
Customer classes of service are at or near their cost of service – total allocation of costs
Total allocated dollars and average unit costs are used to design final proposed rates
Pricing by rate tier (i.e., Tiers 1, 2 and 3)
15
Customer Class of Service
Present
Rate
Revenues
($1,000)
Allocated
Revenue
Requirement
($1,000)
Bal./(Defic.)
of Funds
($1,000)
% Change
in Rates
Residential $40,665 $40,408 $258 0.6%
Multi‐Residential 7,832 7,706 127 1.6%
Commercial 9,145 9,152 (8)0.1%
Irrigation 10,347 10,693 (346)3.3%
Energy Fees 2,164 2,195 (31) 1.4%
Total Net Revenue Requirement $70,153 $70,153 $0 0.0%
Summary of the Average Unit Costs
16
System
Cost Component Average Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3
Consumption
Calculated Cost $3.98 $3.03 $5.40 $6.97 $2.83 $5.13 $6.30 $3.58 $3.58 $3.58 $5.23 $5.23 $5.23
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17)$3.95 $5.13 $7.90 $3.90 $5.05 $7.80 $4.17 $4.23 $4.30 $5.68 $5.74 $5.81
$ / CCF Difference ($0.92) $0.27 ($0.93) ($1.07) $0.08 ($1.50) ($0.59) ($0.65) ($0.72) ($0.45) ($0.51) ($0.58)
Fixed Charge ($/Mth ‐ 3/4" Mtr)
Calculated Cost $20.63 $17.24 $37.91 $35.71 $30.15
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17) $15.91 $15.91 $15.91 $15.91 $15.91
$ / CCF Difference $4.72 $1.33 $22.00 $19.80 $14.24
CWA / MWD Charge
Calculated Cost $15.18 $15.18 $15.18 $15.18 $15.18
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17) $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00
$ / CCF Difference $0.18 $0.18 $0.18 $0.18 $0.18
Energy Fee / Charge ($/CCF)
Calculated Cost $0.064
Current Tiered Rates (1.1.17)$0.044
$ / CCF Difference $0.020
Irrigation
Energy
Residential Multi‐Residential Commercial
Design of the
Potable Water Rate
17
Residential Rate Structure
18
[1] – Current rate schedule has fees for 3” through 10” meters. Largest residential meter currently installed
is a 2” meter.
[2] – Customers whose total consumption is 10 units or less per month shall receive a benefit of a lower rate
for units 1 – 5. One unit (CCF) equals 748 gallons.
Current Residential Rate Proposed Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee [1] ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4”$17.24
1”22.47 1”24.36
1‐1/2”38.88 1‐1/2”42.15
2”58.55 2”63.48
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee [1] ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4”$15.00 3/4”$15.20
1”27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2”62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2”107.08 2”108.51
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
1 – 5 [2]$2.53/CCF 1 –10 $3.03/CCF
6 –10 $3.95/CCF 11 –22 $5.40/CCF
11 –22 $5.13/CCF 23 –Over $6.97/CCF
23 –up $7.90/CCF
Residential Bill Comparisons
19
Consumption Present Proposed
(CCF) Rates Rates $ %
0 $30.91 $32.44 $1.53 4.9%
1 33.44 35.47 2.03 6.1%
2 35.97 38.50 2.53 7.0%
3 38.50 41.53 3.03 7.9%
4 41.03 44.56 3.53 8.6%
5 43.56 47.59 4.03 9.3%
6 47.51 50.62 3.11 6.5%
7 51.46 53.65 2.19 4.3%
8 55.41 56.68 1.27 2.3%
9 59.36 59.71 0.35 0.6%
10 63.31 62.74 (0.57)‐0.9%
25 148.57 148.45 (0.12)‐0.1%
45 306.57 287.85 (18.72)‐6.1%
Fixed Charge $/Acct.Fixed Charge $/Acct.
3/4"$15.91 3/4"$17.24
CWA / MWD Fees $/Acct.CWA / MWD Fees $/Acct.
3/4"$15.00 3/4"$15.20
Consumption Charge $/CCF Consumption Charge $/CCF
1 ‐ 5* $2.53 0 ‐ 10 $3.03
5 ‐ 10 3.95 10 ‐ 22 5.40
10 ‐ 22 5.13 22 +6.97
22 +7.90
*Customers must use < 10 CCF to be eligible for tier 1 pricing
Present Rates Proposed Rates
Difference
Multi-Residential Rate Structure
20
Current Multi‐Residential Rate Proposed Multi‐Residential Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4”$37.90
1”22.47 1”53.53
1‐1/2”38.88 1‐1/2”92.62
2”58.55 2”139.47
3”111.04 3”264.51
4”170.10 4”405.20
6”334.18 6”796.07
8 531.05 8 1,265.04
10”760.72 10”1,812.15
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4”$15.00 3/4”$15.20
1”27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2”62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2”107.08 2”108.51
3”227.75 3”230.79
4”364.72 4”369.58
6”746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10”1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
1 – 4 $3.90/CCF 1 – 4 $2.83/CCF
5 – 9 $5.05/CCF 5 – 9 $5.13/CCF
10 –up $7.80/CCF 10 –up $6.30/CCF
Multi-Residential Bill Comparisons
(Calculated based on a weighted-average consumption per dwelling unit)
21
Consumption
per Dwelling Present Proposed
Unit (CCF) Rates Rates $ %
1 $10.52 $13.81 $3.29 31.3%
2 $14.32 $17.02 $2.70 18.9%
3 $22.23 $26.05 $3.82 17.2%
4 $24.45 $26.42 $1.97 8.1%
5 $30.05 $32.31 $2.26 7.5%
6 $34.85 $37.00 $2.15 6.2%
7 $39.70 $41.81 $2.11 5.3%
8 $43.56 $45.79 $2.23 5.1%
9 $53.08 $57.17 $4.09 7.7%
10 $58.27 $61.05 $2.78 4.8%
11 $69.27 $72.21 $2.94 4.2%
12 $74.44 $74.64 $0.20 0.3%
15 $92.03 $89.93 ($2.10)‐2.3%
18 $122.20 $120.74 ($1.46)‐1.2%
20 $139.41 $132.86 ($6.55)‐4.7%
22 $155.39 $143.85 ($11.54)‐7.4%
25 $175.96 $161.07 ($14.89)‐8.5%
CWA/MWD $/Acct.$/Acct.
3"$111.04 3"$264.51
System Fee $/Acct.$/Acct.
3"$227.75 3"$230.79
$/CCF $/CCF
0 ‐ 4 $3.90 0 ‐ 4 $2.83
5 ‐ 9 $5.05 5 ‐ 9 $5.13
10 +$7.80 10 +$6.30
Difference
PRESENT RATES PROPOSED RATES
Consumption Charge Consumption Charge
CWA/MWD
System Fee
Commercial Rate Structure
22
Current Commercial Rate Proposed Commercial Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4”$35.70
1”22.47 1”50.42
1‐1/2”38.88 1‐1/2”87.24
2”58.55 2”131.38
3”111.04 3”249.16
4”170.10 4”381.68
6”334.18 6”749.86
8 531.05 8 1,191.61
10”760.72 10”1,706.96
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4”$15.00 3/4”$15.20
1”27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2”62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2”107.08 2”108.51
3”227.75 3”230.79
4”364.72 4”369.58
6”746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10”1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
Less than a 10” Meter All Usage $3.58/CCF
1 –185 $4.17/CCF
186 –1,400 $4.23/CCF
1,401 –up $4.30CCF
10” Meter and Greater
0 –7,426 $4.17/CCF
7,427– 14,616 $4.23/CCF
14,617 ‐up $4.30CCF
Commercial Bill Comparisons (Assumes 2” Meter)
23
Irrigation Rate Structure
24
Current Irrigation Rate Proposed Irrigation Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4”$30.15
1”22.47 1”42.58
1‐1/2”38.88 1‐1/2”73.68
2”58.55 2”110.95
3”111.04 3”210.42
4”170.10 4”322.35
6”334.18 6”633.28
8 531.05 8 1,006.36
10”760.72 10”1,441.59
Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐ Plus: MWD/CWA Fee ‐
3/4”$15.00 3/4”$15.20
1”27.84 1”28.21
1‐1/2”62.96 1‐1/2”63.80
2”107.08 2”108.51
3”227.75 3”230.79
4”364.72 4”369.58
6”746.59 6”756.54
8 1,205.65 8 1,221.73
10”1,735.39 10”1,758.53
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
3/4” to 1” Meter All Usage $5.23/CCF
1 –54 $5.68/CCF
55 –199 $5.74/CCF
200 –up $5.81/CCF
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
0 –144 $5.68/CCF
145 –355 $5.74/CCF
356 ‐up $5.81/CCF
3” Meter and Greater
0 –555 $5.68/CCF
551 –
1,200 $5.74/CCF
1,201 ‐up $5.81/CCF
Irrigation Bill Comparisons (Assumes 2” Meter)
25
Summary of the Potable Water Rates
Proposed rates have been developed
using generally accepted rate setting
methodologies
Proposed rates are reflective of the
revenue requirement and cost of service
findings and conclusions (i.e., cost-
based rates)
26
Review of the Recycled Water Rates
27
Overview of the Recycled Water Analysis
Costs were segregated from potable water
Current two classes of service – commercial recycled
and irrigation recycled
Differing levels of service and rates
28
Summary of the
Recycled Water Cost of Service Analysis
29
Customer classes of service are updated based on their current cost of service – total allocation of costs
Total allocated dollars and average unit costs are used to design final proposed rates
Pricing by rate tier (i.e., Tiers 1, 2 and 3)
Customer Class of Service
Present
Rate
Revenues
($1,000)[1]
Allocated
Revenue
Requirement
($1,000)
Bal./(Defic.)
of Funds
($1,000)
% Change
in Rates
Recycled Commercial $745 $692 $53 7.1%
Recycled Irrigation 6,153 6,016 137 2.2%
Energy Fees 379 569 (190) 50.1%
Total Net Revenue Requirement $7,277 $7,277 $0 0.0%
[1] – Rate Revenues are a blend of the rates implemented March 1, 2016 and those implemented
January 1, 2017; final rate designs are based on allocated costs
Recycled Commercial Rate Structure
30
Current Recycled Comm. Rate Proposed Recycled Comm. Rate
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4” $35.71
1”22.47 1” 50.43
1‐1/2”38.88 1‐1/2” 87.27
2”58.55 2” 131.42
3”111.04 3” 249.23
4”170.10 4” 381.79
6”334.18 6” 750.07
8 531.05 8 1,191.94
10”760.72 10” 1,707.44
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
Less than a 10” Meter All Usage $2.89/CCF
1 –173 $3.53/CCF
174 –831 $3.60/CCF
832 –up $3.65/CCF
10” Meter and Greater
0 –7,426 $3.53/CCF
7,427– 14,616 $3.60/CCF
14,617 ‐up $3.65/CCF
Recycled Commercial Bill Comparisons
(Assumes 6” Meter)
31
Recycled Irrigation Rate Structure
32
Current Recycled Irrigation Rate Proposed Recycled Irrigation
Monthly System Fee ‐ Monthly System Fee ‐
3/4”$15.91 3/4”$30.15
1”22.47 1”42.58
1‐1/2” 38.88 1‐1/2” 73.68
2”58.55 2”110.95
3” 111.04 3” 210.42
4” 170.10 4” 322.35
6” 334.18 6” 633.28
8 531.05 8 1,006.36
10” 760.72 10” 1,441.59
Plus: Usage Charges Plus: Usage Charges
3/4” to 1” Meter All Usage $4.09/CCF
1 –32 $5.68/CCF
33 – 75 $5.74/CCF
76 – up $5.81/CCF
1‐1/2” to 2” Meter
0 –130 $5.68/CCF
131 – 325 $5.74/CCF
326 ‐ up $5.81/CCF
3” – 4” Meter
0 –440 $5.68/CCF
441 –1,050 $5.74/CCF
1,051 ‐up $5.81/CCF
6” Meter and Greater
0 – 4,000 $5.68/CCF
4,001– 10,000 $5.74/CCF
10,001 – up $5.81/CCF
Recycled Irrigation Bill Comparisons
(Assumes 1-1/2” meter)
33
Summary of the Recycled Water Rates
Proposed recycled water rates have
been developed using generally
accepted rate setting methodologies
Proposed rates are reflective of the
recycled water revenue requirement and
cost of service findings and conclusions
(i.e., cost-based rates)
34