Important updates from Liberty Utilities regarding your water bill (October 23, 2018)
In recent months, customers served by Liberty Utilities Apple Valley have received multiple mailed notices providing information on regulatory filings and an upcoming event hosted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
We recognize that some customers may have questions about the notices and their timing. We would like to provide additional information to help address any questions you may have.
The CPUC requires that regulated water providers like Liberty Utilities issue regulatory notices by mail to alert customers of specific filings that could impact water rates or service. We understand that the information in these notices can be confusing; however, the CPUC has strict guidelines about the wording and timing for those notifications.
Below is a summarized version of content from those notices:
- On May 1, 2018, Liberty Utilities requested that the CPUC allow us to reduce water rates by 4.27 percent. As a result of being acquired by Liberty Utilities, we have access to a lower cost of borrowing money. We requested that the CPUC factor this into our rates and allow the savings to be passed onto the customer. This request is pending approval from the CPUC.
- In June 2018, Liberty Utilities filed Advice Letters with the CPUC to lower water rates by 4 percent to pass on to customers the savings associated with the federal corporate income tax changes. The new rates were implemented on July 16, 2018, saving the average residential customer $5.62 on their bi-monthly bills.
- Liberty Utilities has been tracking the overall cost savings from adjustments to the tax law, and any revenue surplus collected will be credited back to customers through a future filing with the CPUC.
- As required by law, Liberty Utilities filed a General Rate Case (GRC) application with the CPUC on Jan. 2, 2018 for the years 2019-21. Since this filing was required to be submitted in January, it could not include the effects of the new tax law. To that end, Liberty Utilities is working with the CPUC to adjust its application to reflect these changes.
- As part of the GRC process, the CPUC will be hosting Public Participation Hearings (PPH) to educate customers on the filing and record comments from the community. We encourage customers to attend so they can learn more about the actions Liberty Utilities is taking to promote water conservation, to further stabilize water bills and how we’re investing in the local water system:
Apple Valley Town Hall
14955 Dale Evans Parkway
October 25 | 1 PM and 6 PM
We hope the above adds some clarity to the previous mailings. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 760.247.6484 if you have any questions about the filings, the GRC process or your water service. Additional information is available at www.LibertyUtilities.com, or follow us on Facebook for updates and tips to improve your water-use efficiency.
We are honored to be your water provider and are committed to giving you the best service.
Thank you.
Tony Penna
Vice President & General Manager