미주리 아메리칸워터(Missouri American Water, MAW)는 미주리 공공 서비스위원회에 영업 지역의 모든 상하수도 서비스에 대한 요금을 조정하기 위한 신청서를 제출했다. MAW는 지난 2012년 4월, 요금에 대해 위원회의 승인을 받은 바 있다. 요금의 요청에 대한 주요 원동력은 상하수도 시스템 개선을 위한 회사의 투자이다.

2012년 1월 1일에서 2016년 1월 31일까지 MAW는 주 전체의 상하수도 인프라에 약 4억3천600만 달러를 투자할 계획이다. 지역의 상하수도 플랜트·펌프·파이프 등의 개선은 △서비스의 질 강화 △신뢰도 상승 △환경 성과 △공중 보건 △화제 예방 등을 결과를 가져올 수 있다.

Today, Missouri American Water (MAW) filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) to adjust rates for water and sewer service in all of the company's operating districts. MAW's last general rate case was approved by the MoPSC in April 2012.

The company's investments in water and sewer system improvements are the primary driver behind this rate request. From January 1, 2012, to January 31, 2016, MAW will have invested approximately $436 million in water and sewer infrastructure statewide. These improvements to local water and sewer plants, pumps and pipes help to enhance service quality, reliability, environmental performance, public health, and fire protection for customers.

Rates will not change until the MoPSC completes a comprehensive audit of the request. The 11-month process includes public hearings and opportunities for public comment. Four years will have passed since MAW's last rate increase in 2012, if the MoPSC maintains its traditional 11-month review schedule.

"The net effect is a reduction in expenses of $7.1 million when comparing our operations in 2010 to those same operations in 2014. These savings are particularly important as we face a growing need to replace much of our infrastructure that is nearing the end of its useful life," said MAW President Frank Kartmann. "For every dollar in O&M expense we are able to cut, we can invest just over six dollars in infrastructure without impacting customer rates. As a result, we are able to invest more than $42 million in infrastructure improvements without an impact to our customer bills."

The need to upgrade water and sewer systems is a national challenge. The American Society of Civil Engineers says that an estimated $1 trillion in capital spending will be needed across the nation over the next 25 years to replace thousands of miles of pipe, upgrade treatment plants and comply with stricter water quality standards.

MAW's rates are based on the true costs of providing water and sewer service as reviewed and approved by the MoPSC. The company is requesting a general increase of about $49.3 million per year for water rates and about $1.8 million per year for sewer rates.

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 8월 3일]