United Water Delaware Receives Increase in Water Rates
WILMINGTON, Del.-(Business Wire)-September 25, 2009 - The Delaware Public Service Commission (DE PSC) has approved a 7.2% rate increase for residential and commercial customers of United Water Delaware, which will provide the company with an additional $1.7 million in annual revenue. The increase was primarily related to water system improvements and inflationary impacts on overall operating expenses. The typical residential customer will see an average increase in their water bill of $2.01 a month or 7 cents per day.
“In these difficult times we would all like to avoid any increase in rates; unfortunately, though, we are not immune to the cost pressures that all businesses must face,” said United Water Delaware general manager Susan Skomorucha. “We fully realize our responsibility to provide excellent water service in a cost effective manner, however. In fact, United Water rates remain substantially below rates of other investor owned water utilities in Delaware and the region.”
$13.4 Million in Investments
The rate relief provides funding for improvements to the company’s water supply system. These focus on water quality, supply and reliability. Since last requesting cost recovery through general water service rates in 2006, United Water Delaware had invested $13.4 million in its water supply system.
Examples of major capital projects installed by United Water Delaware since its last rate case include:
- Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR): Following the 2002 drought, ASR was placed on the Governor’s “A” list of projects deemed best able to meet long-term water demands. The ASR project provides 225 million gallons of underground water storage to serve northern New Castle County during extended dry conditions
- City of Wilmington Interconnections: Additional interconnections with the City water system, improving reliability in the Route 202 commercial corridor during emergency conditions
- Geographic Information System (GIS): This leading edge technology provides instant field access to critical water system information, enhancing emergency response, accelerating repairs, improving reliability and quality of our 527 mile water delivery system
Water Service is a Great Value
The typical United Water Delaware customer is paying about $1.06 for a full day’s worth of water - which is less than the cost of one gallon of bottled water. “That’s pretty good value when you stop to think about it,” said Skomorucha. ”Water remains a bargain compared to other daily services. In fact, according to the United States Congressional Budget Office, combined water and sewer bills nationally average less than 1% of household expenditures.”
About United Water
United Water Delaware provides water service in northern New Castle County to approximately 110,000 people. Nationwide, United Water provides water and wastewater services to 7.3 million people in the United States. In addition to owning and operating 20 regulated utilities, United Water operates 240 municipal and industrial systems through public-private partnerships and contract agreements including three of the nation's largest water and wastewater contracts. The company’s affiliate, Utility Service Company, is the nation’s leading provider of long-term water tank management contracts with municipal and industrial clients. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT.
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