Missouri American Water Files Rate Request

Nearly $436 million of capital investments in local infrastructure drives request;

Cost for water service remains at about a penny per gallon

Today’s filing reflects reduction of $7.1 million in expenses compared to 2010

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.--()--Today, Missouri American Water 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.

Missouri American Water’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, Missouri American Water 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 Missouri American Water’s last rate increase in 2012, if the MoPSC maintains its traditional 11-month review schedule.

“Since our last rate case, Missouri American Water has continued to implement efficiencies and best practices throughout the business to reduce our operations and maintenance expenses,” said Missouri American Water President Frank Kartmann. “We have also kept our focus on quality service by maintaining overall customer satisfaction during the same time period.”

Kartmann added, “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. 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.

Missouri American Water’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.

“The communities we serve rely on us to provide reliable, quality water and wastewater service to support the local economy and to provide a high quality of life for residents,” Kartmann said. “These investments will help ensure we are able to keep that commitment to the health and prosperity of our customers and communities in Missouri.”

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.

Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

Contacts

Missouri American Water
Ann Dettmer
Communications Manager
T - 314-996-2356
C - 314-623-3822
Ann.Dettmer@amwater.com

Release Summary

Missouri American Water has filed a request with the Mo. Public Service Commission (MoPSC) to adjust rates for water and sewer service. $436 million in infrastructure investment drives the request.

Contacts

Missouri American Water
Ann Dettmer
Communications Manager
T - 314-996-2356
C - 314-623-3822
Ann.Dettmer@amwater.com