Source: Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
SACO, ME, DEC 12, 2017 -- The Maine Water Company (Maine Water), a subsidiary of Connecticut Water Service, Inc. (Connecticut Water), has announced that the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved a water rate increase for customers of Maine Water's Biddeford and Saco Division, which serves 16,500 customers in the communities of Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough.
David C. Benoit, interim president and CEO of Connecticut Water, stated, "The MPUC's approval of the rate application filed last June reflects our long-term strategy of investing in infrastructure to improve reliability and water quality for customers, timely recovery of infrastructure investments, and being good stewards of the environment by reducing water lost to leaks and reducing the chemicals and power used to treat that water."
Maine Water's rate application requested an annual revenue increase of $1.57 million to begin recovery of nearly $5 million in water system upgrades and increased operating costs. Maine Water and the Maine Office of the Public Advocate reached an agreement that increases annual revenue by $1.56 million. The agreement was approved by the MPUC on December 5. Concluding the case with a negotiated agreement saves the time and expense of a fully adjudicated rate case process, which ultimately benefits customers.
Richard Knowlton, president of the Maine Water operating subsidiary, commented, "Maine Water has taken a number of steps to control costs and increase operating efficiency, including consolidation of operating and customer service facilities, refinancing of debt at lower interest rates, and expanded contract services offerings to other water and wastewater systems to offset operating expenses." He further noted, "We are fortunate to have access to capital to allow us to continue to invest in infrastructure projects so we can maintain our commitment to water quality and customer service for the families and communities we serve."
The rate increase was effective with customer bills issued on or after December 1. The rate increase applies only to the customers of Maine Water's Biddeford and Saco Division. The company has invested more than $12 million in infrastructure in the Biddeford and Saco Division since it became a part of Maine Water in 2012. Some of those infrastructure costs were included in the division's 2014 rate case or were being recovered through the water infrastructure charge (WISC), but others drove the recent rate application.
About Maine Water
The Maine Water Company is a public water utility that currently owns 12 public water systems engaged in the collection, treatment and distribution of drinking water for homes, businesses and fire protection. Maine Water serves more than 32,000 customers, or approximately 85,000 people, in 21 communities across Maine. Maine Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
