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To: Editors, News Directors |
Date: October 30, 2003 |
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For: Immediate Release |
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ACC Announces Arizona-American Rate Case |
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PHOENIX – In preparation for an evidentiary hearing set for the Arizona-American Water and Wastewater rate case on December 4, 2003, the Arizona Corporation Commission is scheduling public comment sessions around the state. Arizona-American Water Company has asked the Commission to approve rate increases for its Arizona customers. |
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Arizona-American acquired the water and wastewater systems formerly owned by Citizens Water Resources in January 2002. The firm operates water and wastewater systems in the Anthem community north of Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. The company also serves portions of Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and Tubac, Arizona. |
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Sub-system Last Rate Change Approx. # of Customers Agua Fria Water (Surprise & vicinity) May 1997 14,300 Anthem/Agua Fria Water June 1998 4,400 Anthem/Agua Fria Wastewater June 1998 4,300 Sun City Water May 1997 22,000 Sun City Wastewater May 1997 21,200 Sun City West Water May 1997 15,300 Sun City West Wastewater May 1997 14,900 Mohave Water January 1992 13,600 Havasu Water February 1990 1,200 |
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This is the first rate case filed by Arizona-American Water Company and some systems have not had any rate changes since the early 1990s. The company contends that the costs of maintaining, operating and testing its water system to provide safe, reliable drinking water have increased and it is seeking Commission approval to raise rates. |
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The Arizona Corporation Commission staff is in the process of evaluating the merits of the case in preparation for a courtroom-style administrative hearing. Commission staff members are auditing records and assessing whether certain costs should be recovered and, if so, to what extent and over what period of time. Companies, organizations and individuals that have formally intervened will have an opportunity to question the company and argue their position at the December 4 hearing in Phoenix. An administrative law judge will preside over the hearing to assess the validity of each party’s position. |
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Before the hearing begins, the Commissioners want to hear from members of the public who would be affected by the decision. There are three ways to offer public comment:
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Customers are welcome to attend on the date and time that is most convenient for their schedule. Dates and locations were grouped together where facilities were available to accommodate the meeting and the Commissioners’ schedules. Public comment sessions will be held as follows: |
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Public Comment for customers of the Anthem System Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Anthem School Gymnasium 41020 North Freedom Way Anthem, AZ 85086 |
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Public Comment for customers in Sun City, Sun City West & Surprise Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. Sundial Recreation Center 14801 North 103rd Avenue Sun City, AZ 85351 - OR - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Kingswood Elementary School Multipurpose Room 15150 West Mondell Road Surprise, AZ 85374 |
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Public Comment for customers of the Bullhead City System Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. Mohave County Community College, Bullhead Campus 3400 Highway 95, Room 210 Bullhead City, AZ 86430 |
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Public Comment for customers of the Lake Havasu System Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Desert Hills Fire Station 3983 London Bridge Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 |
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Public Comment for customers of the Tubac System Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. County Complex, Tubac North Facilities 50 Bridge Road Tubac, AZ 85640 |
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About Public Comment Sessions |
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Public comment sessions are formal proceedings and all comments will be transcribed by a court reporter. The Commissioners may limit the duration of each individual’s comments to allow everyone a fair opportunity to speak. |
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No date has been set for the Commissioners to make a final decision on the case. The hearing in front of the administrative law judge could last several days. The judge then waits for any final briefs to be filed, for the transcripts to come in and begins working on a recommendation for the Commissioners to consider. This can take six to eight weeks or more, depending on whether the parties are ordered to submit summary briefs. Consumers should, however, be aware and anticipate that this case could result in an increase to their water bills. |
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Public Comment by Mail |
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If you cannot attend in person, the Commission encourages the timely submission of written comments. Submit comments to the Docket Control Center and they will be distributed to all registered parties or intervenors. Be sure to reference the docket numbers to ensure that your comments are properly catalogued and referenced. Arizona Corporation Commission Docket Numbers: |
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Electronic Public Comment |
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You may also comment through the Commission’s "Can We Help You" page on the Utilities Division website. Be sure to include the docket numbers listed above. For instructions on filing electronic public comment, click on http://www.cc.state.az.us/utility/cons/index.htm. |
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