Regulatory Decision Allows Golden State Water Company to Continue Investing to Provide High-Quality, Reliable Service with Major Capital Investments
California Public Utilities Commission Approves Rate Increase
For Immediate Release
June 29, 2023
San Dimas, Calif. – Today, Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) announced that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved its 2020 General Rate Case (GRC) application that implements new rates for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“To fulfill our ongoing commitment to quality water and reliable service, Golden State Water is focused on making proactive investments in our water supply and water distribution systems to create sustainable, long-term value for our customers,” said Paul Rowley, Senior Vice President - Regulated Water Utility with Golden State Water Company. “Proactive investments protect California’s water infrastructure and avoid the costly, and sometimes dangerous, effects of deferring maintenance or delaying the replacement of aging infrastructure. We don’t want our customers to ever think twice about the quality of water coming from their tap.”
Water rates are impacted by many factors including rising operation and maintenance costs, regulatory requirements and capital improvement programs. Golden State Water is investing over $318 million in California communities, building water treatment, storage and delivery infrastructure.
“The rates approved by the CPUC ensures the safety and dependability of the local water system, creates local jobs, and upholds the fundamental right of every Californian to access to safe, clean and affordable water no matter the zip code,” said Rowley.
As a regulated utility, Golden State Water must file a General Rate Case (GRC) application every three years with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC sets water rates after an extensive review process by the CPUC Public Advocates Office, the consideration of input by GSWC customers and the public, and the evaluation of all the elements that make up the proposed rates. The outcome in this process results in the lowest possible customer bills that will allow GSWC to provide safe and reliable water services, while complying with regulatory mandates, meeting environmental goals and replacing aged infrastructure.
Given the regulatory delay, the new rates implemented will be the 2022 and 2023 rates combined.
As a CPUC regulated water utility, GSWC offers a customer assistance program that provides a monthly credit for low-income customers. Customers who participate in the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program also qualify for this program.
To learn more about Golden State Water’s new rates, capital investments, and the customer assistance program, visit www.gswater.com/rates.
# # #
Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) and provides water service to approximately 1 million customers throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. American States Water Company also owns a contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS). ASUS provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50-year privatization contracts with the U.S. government. Bear Valley Electric Service is also a subsidiary and distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County.