DRA working with Utilities to Implement Conservation Rates
DRA and water utilities are working together to implement conservation rates. These rates create an economic incentive to reduce consumption. The CPUC has adopted a settlement for conservation rates between DRA and the following utilities:
- California Water Service
- Suburban Water
- Park Water - Los Angeles
In addition to conservation efforts on rate design, DRA is continuing to advocate for effective water conservation programs. The CPUC is currently evaluating the scope of its investigation into utility conservation programs. DRA submitted comments on the scope for conservation programs in June 2008.
Additional documents about this proceeding can be found on the Commission’s website.
DRA to Evaluate Conservation and Rationing Proposals for Monterey
On December 14, 2007, California-American Water Company filed an application to expand its current conservation programs in its Monterey District and prepare for the possibility of a water rationing emergency. DRA is currently evaluating this application to determine the most cost-effective ways to achieve additional conservation.
Three of the major requests in the application are:
- Increase the conservation budget to be shared with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District of approximately $2.267 million annually (up from the previous $650,000 annually) for programs such as residential plumbing retrofits, school education programs and water audits
- Rationing budget of $2.93 million annually in the event of water rationing for water rationing staff and implementation of programs such as water budgets, water account banking, and the use of flow restrictors
- Increase rates for customers in the Bishop, Ryan Ranch, and Hidden Hills areas during an emergency conservation situation, and increase rates for all customers during water rationing
On June 20, DRA submitted its report on California-American Water Company's application to expand its current conservation programs in its Monterey District.
A Commission decision is expected in this case in January 2009.
Additional documents about this proceeding can be found on the Commission’s website.
Conservation programs are particularly important on the Monterey Peninsula because there are legal restrictions on Carmel River water and on Seaside Basin Groundwater, which are the two main sources of water in the utility’s Monterey District. To learn more about conservation on the Monterey Peninsula, please visit the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s website.
San Gabriel Valley Water Company's Fontana Conservation Application
Division of Ratepayer Advocates' Report on the Application of San Gabriel Valley Water Company's Fontana Water Company Division for Conservation Programs and an Interim Mechanism to Fund those Programs.
DRA and San Gabriel Valley Water Company reached a settlement on these issues.
At this time, DRA and San Gabriel Water Company are waiting for the CPUC to issue a decision adopting the settlement.