Water and Wastewater Systems



                 Water                 Wastewater




                    Rate Proposal
                   2013 through 2016

March 18, 2013
Water and Wastewater Rate Proposal
Purpose today:
• Share information and staff recommendation
• Seek confirmation from Board on next steps



Covering today:
• Staff recommendation on rate adjustment
• Review of the rate-setting timeline
• Meeting dates and next steps




                                 2
Strategic Planning
  Rate recommendation supports District
  financial policies, guiding principles and
  customer priorities

• Keeps water and wastewater systems on track to close
  financial gaps
• Meets customer priorities; modest, predictable increases
  over time
• Aligns with the cost of service
• Full implementation of postage stamp rates
• Multi-year rate increase supports long-term
  planning
                                3
Top Utility System Issues Nationwide




     0    1     2      3     4        5
Source Black & Veatch June 13, 2012
                                          5
Water and Wastewater

 National trends for utility rates:

  2010, 50 largest US cities average annual increase in
typical residential water bills was approximately 5.3 percent
from 2001 through 2009, while the increase in typical
residential sewer bills was approximately 5.5 percent.

                   Source: Black and Veatch




                                  6
Water/Wastewater Rate History
                      2.0




                      1.8

                                   Average annual increase = 5.31%
Cumulative increase




                      1.6




                      1.4




                      1.2




                      1.0
                            1998   2000    2002     2004     2006    2008   2010   2012   2014

                                                            Year

                                                                7
Chelan County PUD
                                 Water/Wastewater System
                                 Overview
                                                  Wastewater System (500 Connections)
                  Chelan Ridge                    Water System (5,600 Connections)



Lk Wenatchee WW




                                      Ollala Canyon


Peshastin WW
                                          Wenatchee
Dryden Water


   Dryden WW
Residential Water Rate Comparison
          2012 Monthly rate for 7,500 gallons
    $60

    $50

    $40

    $30

    $20

    $10

     $0
Residential Wastewater Rate Comparison
               2012 basic monthly rate
    $80

    $70

    $60

    $50

    $40

    $30

    $20

    $10

     $0
          Wenatchee   Entiat   Leavenworth Chelan PUD   Cashmere
Factors
Affecting PUD
Cost of Service           Peshastin wastewater treatment facility



 • Aging infrastructure

 • Highly regulated small rural systems
 • Multiple systems serving a relatively low number of
   connections

 • Reliable service provided 24 hours per day/7 days per
   week
                               11
Water
  Business Plan

 Reduced capital spending projected
 Staff reductions (2003 = 15 FTEs now 2013 = 9 FTEs)
   - Workforce planning to evaluate sustainability
 Increased operational efficiency through revised
  staff assignments
 Capacity available to meet the demands of future
  growth
                        12
Wastewater
     Business Plan

 Shared cost allocation reductions incorporated into
  forecasts
   – Approximately $14/month per connection which offsets cost
     increases
 Increased regulatory requirements
 Seek grants to reduce future debt service requirements



                                13
Rate Committee Recommendation

Yearly increase for 2013-2016 (reviewed annually)

• Water 5% per year 2013 thru 2016
  – 4.6% residential; 6% commercial to align with cost of service
  – Moves Dryden to the postage stamp rates by 2014
  – Squilchuck $6.55 per month debt service is ending


• Wastewater 15% per year 2013 thru 2016
  – 15% average increase across rate classes
  – Align base and volume charges with cost of service


                                14
Forecasted Financial Indicators - Water
                       (Includes recommended 5% rate increase)



        Rate of Return (min)                        Debt Leverage Ratio (max)
 1.4%                                              70.0%
 1.2%                                              60.0%
 1.0%                                              50.0%
 0.8%
                                                   40.0%
 0.6%
                                                   30.0%
 0.4%
 0.2%                                              20.0%
 0.0%                                              10.0%
-0.2%                                               0.0%
     2013   2014       2015     2016   2017             2013   2014       2015     2016   2017




 Debt Coverage Ratio (min)                           Unrestricted Liquidity (000's)
 1.40                                              4,000
 1.20                                              3,500
 1.00                                              3,000
                                                   2,500
 0.80
                                                   2,000
 0.60
                                                   1,500
 0.40                                              1,000
 0.20                                                500
 0.00                                                  0
     2013   2014       2015     2016   2017             2013   2014       2015     2016   2017

              Actual          Target          15                 Actual          Target
Forecasted Financial Indicators - Wastewater
                       (Includes recommended 15% rate increase)


        Rate of Return (min)                        Debt Leverage Ratio (max)
0.0%                                               70.0%
-1.0%                                              60.0%
                                                   50.0%
-2.0%
                                                   40.0%
-3.0%
                                                   30.0%
-4.0%
                                                   20.0%
-5.0%                                              10.0%
-6.0%                                               0.0%
     2013   2014       2015     2016   2017             2013   2014       2015     2016   2017




 Debt Coverage Ratio (min)                           Unrestricted Liquidity (000's)
 4.00                                              1,200
 3.00                                              1,000
 2.00
 1.00                                               800
 0.00                                               600
-1.00                                               400
-2.00
-3.00                                               200
-4.00                                                  0
     2013   2014       2015     2016   2017             2013   2014       2015     2016   2017

              Actual          Target                             Actual          Target
                                              16
Residential Rate Proposal
Wenatchee, Dryden, Ollala & Chelan Ridge
                                                              2013     2016
          (Water Systems)                         Current   Proposed Proposed

           Basic Monthly Charge (5/8")            $28.25     $29.75   $36.00

           First 3,000 gallons per month           $2.30     $2.40    $2.65

         3,001 to 10,000 gallons per month         $3.15     $3.25    $3.50

          Over 10,000 Gallons per month            $4.00     $4.10    $4.40




  Lake Wenatchee, Dryden & Peshastin
                                                              2013     2016
       (Wastewater Systems)                       Current   Proposed Proposed

              Basic Monthly Charge                $61.80     $71.00   $107.70



                                             17
Commercial Rate Proposal
                                                                       2013     2016
   Wenatchee, Dryden & Chelan Ridge Water Systems            Current Proposed Proposed
               Basic Monthly Charge (5/8")                   $47.50    $52.00    $67.00
           Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month                 $2.86     $3.00     $3.45


                                                                       2013     2016
          Lake Wenatchee Wastewater System                   Current Proposed Proposed
Medium General Service Basic Monthly Charge (up to 20,000)   $361.75   $415.00   $625.00

     Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month (over 20,000)        $17.25    $19.75    $30.00


                                                                       2013     2016
             Peshastin Wastewater System                     Current Proposed Proposed

                      Commercial 1                           $129.10   $150.00   $225.00
           Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month                 $2.35     $2.70     $4.15
                  Commercial 2 per unit                      $93.50    $108.00   $164.00




                                                18
Examples of
Water Rate Impacts

Category                   Current   2013      2014      2015      2016

5/8” meter (3,000 gals)    $35.15    $36.95    $39.50    $41.65    $43.95

           Average monthly residential bill
5/8” meter (7,500 gals)
                   $49.53 $51.58 $54.58 $56.95                     $59.70

5/8” meter (25,000 gals)   $109.33   $113.08   $117.58   $121.45   $125.70



Senior/Disabled - Low      ($8.00)   ($8.50)   ($9.00)   ($9.50)   ($10.00)
Income Discount



                                      19
Future Considerations

• System growth projections
  – Lower than projected growth resulting in lower revenue
     • Rate review to meet financial targets
  – Higher than projected resulting in increased revenue
     • Rate review to meet financial targets


• Unforeseen regulations or expenses
  – Capital improvements
     • Potential revenue impacts dependent upon financing package
       (i.e. loan terms, grant funding)
  – Operation and Maintenance
     • Will have a direct impact on delivery costs and rates
                                   20
Timeline
                     • Water and wastewater financial policies approved
                     • Recommended multi-year (2013-2016) rate
   June 2012           increases to close the operating gaps
                     • 6% per year for water and 15% per year for
                       wastewater

                     • 2012 District budget approved
December 2012        • Included 6% water and 15% wastewater placeholders
                       for rate increases
                     • Staff recommendation
March 2013 (today)   • Set information meetings and public hearing
                       dates

   April 2013        • Hold public information meetings     Proposed dates
                                                            April 16 & April 24



 May/June 2013       • Rate hearing – May 6 (proposed)
                     • Rates effective - June 1 (If approved)




                              21
39 Years of Public Service

 Water           Wastewater




            22

Water and Wastewater Rate Proposal 2013-2016

  • 1.
    Water and WastewaterSystems Water Wastewater Rate Proposal 2013 through 2016 March 18, 2013
  • 2.
    Water and WastewaterRate Proposal Purpose today: • Share information and staff recommendation • Seek confirmation from Board on next steps Covering today: • Staff recommendation on rate adjustment • Review of the rate-setting timeline • Meeting dates and next steps 2
  • 3.
    Strategic Planning Rate recommendation supports District financial policies, guiding principles and customer priorities • Keeps water and wastewater systems on track to close financial gaps • Meets customer priorities; modest, predictable increases over time • Aligns with the cost of service • Full implementation of postage stamp rates • Multi-year rate increase supports long-term planning 3
  • 5.
    Top Utility SystemIssues Nationwide 0 1 2 3 4 5 Source Black & Veatch June 13, 2012 5
  • 6.
    Water and Wastewater National trends for utility rates: 2010, 50 largest US cities average annual increase in typical residential water bills was approximately 5.3 percent from 2001 through 2009, while the increase in typical residential sewer bills was approximately 5.5 percent. Source: Black and Veatch 6
  • 7.
    Water/Wastewater Rate History 2.0 1.8 Average annual increase = 5.31% Cumulative increase 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 Year 7
  • 8.
    Chelan County PUD Water/Wastewater System Overview Wastewater System (500 Connections) Chelan Ridge Water System (5,600 Connections) Lk Wenatchee WW Ollala Canyon Peshastin WW Wenatchee Dryden Water Dryden WW
  • 9.
    Residential Water RateComparison 2012 Monthly rate for 7,500 gallons $60 $50 $40 $30 $20 $10 $0
  • 10.
    Residential Wastewater RateComparison 2012 basic monthly rate $80 $70 $60 $50 $40 $30 $20 $10 $0 Wenatchee Entiat Leavenworth Chelan PUD Cashmere
  • 11.
    Factors Affecting PUD Cost ofService Peshastin wastewater treatment facility • Aging infrastructure • Highly regulated small rural systems • Multiple systems serving a relatively low number of connections • Reliable service provided 24 hours per day/7 days per week 11
  • 12.
    Water BusinessPlan  Reduced capital spending projected  Staff reductions (2003 = 15 FTEs now 2013 = 9 FTEs) - Workforce planning to evaluate sustainability  Increased operational efficiency through revised staff assignments  Capacity available to meet the demands of future growth 12
  • 13.
    Wastewater Business Plan  Shared cost allocation reductions incorporated into forecasts – Approximately $14/month per connection which offsets cost increases  Increased regulatory requirements  Seek grants to reduce future debt service requirements 13
  • 14.
    Rate Committee Recommendation Yearlyincrease for 2013-2016 (reviewed annually) • Water 5% per year 2013 thru 2016 – 4.6% residential; 6% commercial to align with cost of service – Moves Dryden to the postage stamp rates by 2014 – Squilchuck $6.55 per month debt service is ending • Wastewater 15% per year 2013 thru 2016 – 15% average increase across rate classes – Align base and volume charges with cost of service 14
  • 15.
    Forecasted Financial Indicators- Water (Includes recommended 5% rate increase) Rate of Return (min) Debt Leverage Ratio (max) 1.4% 70.0% 1.2% 60.0% 1.0% 50.0% 0.8% 40.0% 0.6% 30.0% 0.4% 0.2% 20.0% 0.0% 10.0% -0.2% 0.0% 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Debt Coverage Ratio (min) Unrestricted Liquidity (000's) 1.40 4,000 1.20 3,500 1.00 3,000 2,500 0.80 2,000 0.60 1,500 0.40 1,000 0.20 500 0.00 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Actual Target 15 Actual Target
  • 16.
    Forecasted Financial Indicators- Wastewater (Includes recommended 15% rate increase) Rate of Return (min) Debt Leverage Ratio (max) 0.0% 70.0% -1.0% 60.0% 50.0% -2.0% 40.0% -3.0% 30.0% -4.0% 20.0% -5.0% 10.0% -6.0% 0.0% 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Debt Coverage Ratio (min) Unrestricted Liquidity (000's) 4.00 1,200 3.00 1,000 2.00 1.00 800 0.00 600 -1.00 400 -2.00 -3.00 200 -4.00 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Actual Target Actual Target 16
  • 17.
    Residential Rate Proposal Wenatchee,Dryden, Ollala & Chelan Ridge 2013 2016 (Water Systems) Current Proposed Proposed Basic Monthly Charge (5/8") $28.25 $29.75 $36.00 First 3,000 gallons per month $2.30 $2.40 $2.65 3,001 to 10,000 gallons per month $3.15 $3.25 $3.50 Over 10,000 Gallons per month $4.00 $4.10 $4.40 Lake Wenatchee, Dryden & Peshastin 2013 2016 (Wastewater Systems) Current Proposed Proposed Basic Monthly Charge $61.80 $71.00 $107.70 17
  • 18.
    Commercial Rate Proposal 2013 2016 Wenatchee, Dryden & Chelan Ridge Water Systems Current Proposed Proposed Basic Monthly Charge (5/8") $47.50 $52.00 $67.00 Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month $2.86 $3.00 $3.45 2013 2016 Lake Wenatchee Wastewater System Current Proposed Proposed Medium General Service Basic Monthly Charge (up to 20,000) $361.75 $415.00 $625.00 Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month (over 20,000) $17.25 $19.75 $30.00 2013 2016 Peshastin Wastewater System Current Proposed Proposed Commercial 1 $129.10 $150.00 $225.00 Charge per 1,000 Gallons per month $2.35 $2.70 $4.15 Commercial 2 per unit $93.50 $108.00 $164.00 18
  • 19.
    Examples of Water RateImpacts Category Current 2013 2014 2015 2016 5/8” meter (3,000 gals) $35.15 $36.95 $39.50 $41.65 $43.95 Average monthly residential bill 5/8” meter (7,500 gals) $49.53 $51.58 $54.58 $56.95 $59.70 5/8” meter (25,000 gals) $109.33 $113.08 $117.58 $121.45 $125.70 Senior/Disabled - Low ($8.00) ($8.50) ($9.00) ($9.50) ($10.00) Income Discount 19
  • 20.
    Future Considerations • Systemgrowth projections – Lower than projected growth resulting in lower revenue • Rate review to meet financial targets – Higher than projected resulting in increased revenue • Rate review to meet financial targets • Unforeseen regulations or expenses – Capital improvements • Potential revenue impacts dependent upon financing package (i.e. loan terms, grant funding) – Operation and Maintenance • Will have a direct impact on delivery costs and rates 20
  • 21.
    Timeline • Water and wastewater financial policies approved • Recommended multi-year (2013-2016) rate June 2012 increases to close the operating gaps • 6% per year for water and 15% per year for wastewater • 2012 District budget approved December 2012 • Included 6% water and 15% wastewater placeholders for rate increases • Staff recommendation March 2013 (today) • Set information meetings and public hearing dates April 2013 • Hold public information meetings Proposed dates April 16 & April 24 May/June 2013 • Rate hearing – May 6 (proposed) • Rates effective - June 1 (If approved) 21
  • 22.
    39 Years ofPublic Service Water Wastewater 22