A utility’s cost of service is defined as a system’s total cost of providing service to its customers. This generally includes operating expenses, maintenance expenses, debt service principal and interest payments, and adequate funding of systems. Appropriate funding of system renewal is often described as an annual investment in rate-funded capital, debt service principal, and … Read more
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was designed to provide financial relief to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a significant portion of the allocated funds across the country remain unspent. The underutilization of ARPA funds presents challenges as communities strive to meet legislative requirements and deadlines while effectively promoting equitable development and recovery. … Read more
When it comes to communicating rate changes, 62% of respondents to the 2023 AE2S Utility Rate Survey said they utilize utility bills to announce upcoming adjustments. Rate increases are often necessary to fund infrastructure improvements and maintain service quality. However, the way they are communicated is crucial. Transparency is a cornerstone of effective communication with … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) created a new website to track the status of State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided $50 billion for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades. About 85% of the funding is allocated through Clean Water SRF and Drinking Water SRF … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the availability of $6.5 billion for States, Tribes, and U.S. territories for essential drinking water infrastructure upgrades across the nation through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The $6 billion boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to increase the investments available to rebuild the nation’s water … Read more
Utilities have recently experienced increased capital, operation, and maintenance costs. The cause in many cases can be attributed to aging infrastructure that was built in the last century. In addition, heightened regulatory requirements associated with the implementation of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act increased the cost of compliance while the upcoming … Read more