water, sewer and other utilities need
rates that are adequate and fair. We call such rates "Great Rates." In concept, great rates are simple. In practice, great rates are elusive unless you use a great analysis process and you convincingly prove up the rate "case" to your ratepayers.
Helping communities get great rates is our mission. For us to help systems get great rates it usually costs about one cheap cheeseburger per person served by the system. That sets rates on a good course for 5-10 years.
Clients that come to us typically need a revenue boost of 20-45 percent initially. We help them get it. Their revenues usually climb by 3-5 percent each year after that mainly to cover operating cost inflation. Along the way they get demonstrably fair rate structures.
Do you want to find out what you would get and what it would cost? Just give us a call to talk about your situation. Project scoping takes us about 20 minutes on the phone. If you want to do a little research before making that call, do these things:
- Read the article "What Should a Rate Study Cost" in the "Articles Collection," the "Ratepayer's Survival Guide," Mr. Brown's book "How to Get Great Rates" and other resources from our sister company GettingGreatRates.com. All except the book are free. The book is included in our rate analysis proposal packages, so that will also be free to you if you request a proposal.
- Have a look at one or more sample rate analysis packages to get an idea of what to expect from us:
- Moorcroft, WY (water, sewer, solid waste collection and landfill rate analysis for a small town)
- Hillsboro, MO (water and sewer rate analysis for a slightly larger town)
- Jackson County, KS RWD #3 (water rate analysis to help mediate a wholesale water pricing lawsuit for a small water district)
- Woodland, WA (sewer rate analysis for a larger town)
- Rockbridge County, VA Public Service Authority (water and sewer rate analysis for a slightly larger, more complex system) and
- Raytown, MO (sewer rate analysis for a large city)
- Review our references.
- If you absolutely must issue a written request for qualifications, we suggest you use this template to improve your success.
Contact us and be assured of getting great rates.
Finally, it seems more systems' rates are under legal attack these days. You should read "Lawsuits: Are Your Rates Vulnerable?" and "Sued!" These articles are included in the "Articles Collection" available from GettingGreatRates.com. When it comes to rate setting legal troubles, an ounce of prevention is worth hundreds of pounds of cure.