PUB approves water rate deficit rider
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
The Manitoba Public Utilities Board has approved an application from the City of Brandon to implement a rate rider to recover a $1.39-million operating deficit in 2022.
A board order issued on April 26 approved the city’s water and wastewater utility debt as well as the implementation of a $0.033 charge per 1,000 gallons of water used per customer over six years and six months, effective retroactively to April 1 of this year.
In a media release, the city said the rider would represent an increase of 51 cents for the average family of four on a monthly billing plan or $6.07 on a yearly billing plan. This is on top of the utility rate increases that already went into effect on Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 1 of this year.
The PUB requires that utilities have a working capital surplus of 20 per cent. Because Brandon had a $30,679,487 capital deficit as of Dec. 31, 2022, the board views the city’s water utility as having a $36,158,806 shortfall for the 2022 fiscal year.
When the board approved those rate increases as well as not-yet-implemented increases taking effect Jan. 1, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026 last fall, it also approved $15,869,919 in deficits for the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021 fiscal year.
To recover those deficits, the board approved a rate rider of 19 cents per 1,000 gallons for water and 21 cents for wastewater, which are also in effect for seven years or until the deficit is completely recovered.
» cslark@brandonsun.com
» X: @ColinSlark