A new policy paper from the California Municipal Utilities Association examines the key drivers that are increasing water system costs and explains why rate design alone is not enough to address the water affordability problem for households.
A durable statewide affordability system will require ongoing state support, coordinated enrollment, sustained state and federal partnerships, and more, the paper finds, CMUA noted on Sept. 30.
"This report explains why affordability pressures are increasing, the challenges beyond a utility’s control that drive up water costs, why local rate-based tools are constrained, and what durable, scalable solutions could look like in California," CMUA said.
It is a reference tool for CMUA and its member agencies "to support informed engagement with state partners, including the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, and the California Legislature."
The CMUA policy paper, Understanding Water Affordability in California: A System Cost Perspective, is the newest in an ongoing series providing thought leadership about key topics and issues that will shape the present and future of California water and energy, it said.
CMUA represents 89 publicly owned electric and gas utilities, and water and wastewater agencies statewide. Together, CMUA members provide water service to 75% of Californians and electric service to 25% of the state.
