Discount to end for golf course water (July 7, 2015)
Decision follows similar ruling on rate for local park
APPLE VALLEY — The California Public Utilities Commission ruled Monday that Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co. can end its discounted water pricing for the Apple Valley Golf Course.
The discounted rate was granted under an agreement between AVR and the town based on certain conditions, including that the town not construct its own well for golf-course irrigation.
Since the town is in the process of constructing a well at the AVGC with the intent of bypassing AVR, the town (is) in violation of the agreement,
the CPUC wrote in a letter. Therefore, the town must pay the regular tariff rate.
The decision follows the CPUC’s ruling last week that ended a similar discount for water supplied to the park at James A. Woody Community Center. The town says the cost of watering the park will increase four-fold as a result.
We obviously agree with the CPUC’s decision that the town was in violation of the agreement and should no longer receive a discounted rate for water service for the golf course which was being subsidized by Ranchos’ other customers,
said Christopher Schilling, CEO of Apple Valley Ranchos’ owner, Park Water Co. The town will now be paying the same rate for water service for the golf course as other commercial customers and no longer receive the lower rate.
[...]
Town officials were disappointed with the CPUC’s decision.
This is unfortunate, but not unexpected,
Town Manager Frank Robinson said. In light of AVR’s opposition to our efforts to bring recycled water to the golf course, they seem intent upon inflicting whatever damage they can.
Source: Gary Brodeur, Daily Press