Docket #: A.03-01-034 et al

Media Contact: PUC Press Office, 415.703.1366,

PUC Schedules Public Meetings On California

Water Service Company’s Rate Increase Request

SAN FRANCISCO, August 1, 2003 – The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold public participation hearings (PPHs) to receive comments on California Water Service Company’s (CalWater) rate increase request for its Selma, Oroville, Palos Verdes, and Dominguez Water Districts.

To participate, please arrive prior to the hearing’s start time and sign-in to speak. A member of the Commission’s Public Advisor’s Office will be there to assist you.

The PPH schedule is below:

  • Selma Water District – Tuesday, Aug. 5: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

City of Selma, Council Chambers, 1710 Tucker St., Selma

  • Oroville Water District– Wednesday, Aug. 6: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

City of Oroville, Council Chambers, 1735 Montgomery St., Oroville

  • Palos Verdes Water District and Dominguez Water District (combined): – Tuesday, Aug. 12: 1 p.m.*

City of Palos Verdes Estates, Council Chambers, 340 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates

  • Palos Verdes Water District and Dominguez Water District (combined): – Tuesday, Aug. 12: 6 p.m.*

City of Torrance, Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance

*NOTE: Because the Palos Verdes Water District and Dominguez Water District are in close proximity to one another, the PUC is combining these PPHs with two sessions at different locations.

CalWater is proposing rate changes so that gross district revenues increase as follows:

  • Oroville: $420,400 or 17.2 percent in 2003; $224,400 or 7.8 percent in 2004; $231,400 or 7.5 percent in 2005; and $238,400 or 7.2 percent in 2006
  • Selma: $377,500 or 17.9 percent in 2003; $299,700 or 12.1 percent in 2004; $305,400 or 11 percent in 2005; and $312,200 or 10.1 percent in 2006
  • Palos Verdes: $3,457,000 or 15.85 percent in 2003; $933,500 or 3.69 percent in 2004; $750,000 or 3 percent in 2005; $750,000 or 3 percent in 2006
  • Dominguez: $4,597,400 or 15.9 percent in 2003; $298,200 or 0.9 percent in 2004; $368,700 or 1.1 percent in 2005; and $438,000 or 1.3 percent in 2006

In addition, CalWater is requesting an interim rate increase while this proceeding is pending before the Commission. CalWater is also seeking Commission determination that every district meets all applicable state and federal drinking water standards.

The PPHs will be held in meeting rooms that are wheelchair accessible. Those who need special assistance such as sign language interpretation should contact the PUC Public Advisor’s Office at least five days before the meeting at 1-866-849-8390 or 1-415-703-2074; TTY 1-866-836-7825 or 1-415-703-5282.

The PUC has scheduled the PPHs to hear the community’s concerns and questions regarding CalWater’s requests.

Those who cannot attend may comment by e-mailing (include the proceeding number) or writing the Public Advisor:

Public Advisor

California Public Utilities Commission

505 Van Ness Ave., Room 2103

San Francisco, CA 94102

Email:

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California Public Utilities Commission, 08/01/03