Rates

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As a regulated utility, every three years Golden State Water’s rates are determined by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) through a General Rate Case (GRC) to ensure customers receive a fair rate for reliable, quality water service. New rates allow for investments to avoid the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of deferring maintenance or delaying the replacement of aging infrastructure.

2026 General Rate Case (2028-30 Rates)

In July 2026, Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) will file its 2026 General Rate Case (GRC) application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The application proposes water rates and infrastructure investments for 2028, 2029 and 2030.

These rates reflect Golden State Water’s long-term commitment to providing customers with high-quality water and reliable service by proactively investing in their community’s water supply and distribution systems. We never want customers to think twice about the quality of the water coming from their taps. 

To learn how your rates are invested in your community, visit the Capital Projects tab, and for frequently asked questions about the rate-making process, click here.

Consalidation

The 2026 GRC proposes to combine the Los Osos and Santa Maria ratemaking areas into a new Coastal Region rate structure. If approved by the CPUC, Los Osos metered water rates would remain frozen during this GRC cycle, while Santa Maria customers would see a larger proposed bill increase than they would if Santa Maria remained separate.

Proposed Non-Consolidated Rates

  • The average residential customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 8,976 gallons (12 Ccf) per month would see their current monthly bill increase from $95.25 to $114.62 in 2028, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 
  • The average commercial customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4″ meter using 36,652 gallons (49 Ccf) per month would see their current monthly bill increase from $271.58 to $305.31 in 2028, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 

Proposed Consolidated Rates

  • The average residential customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4” meter using 8,976 gallons (12 Ccf) per month would see their current monthly bill increase from $95.25 to $121.38 in 2028, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 
  • The average commercial customer in the Santa Maria Customer Service Area with a 5/8 x 3/4″ meter using 36,652 gallons (49 Ccf) per month would see their current monthly bill increase from $271.58 to $325.89 in 2028, at the earliest (excluding any applicable surcharges). 

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