The Macon Water Authority
790 Second Street • Macon, GA 31202-0108 • (478) 464-5600
Five-year plan adjusts rates for 2014
Dec 27, 2013 by Chris Wood
Rate adjustments are necessary to keep revenues consistent with increasing costs and to pursue much needed capital improvements for the water and sewer system (above).
Following in-depth financial analysis and study of consumption trends, the Macon Water Authority (MWA) Board of Directors has adopted a five-year rate plan, which includes long-term financial projections for the Authority while establishing customer rates for the calendar years 2014 – 2016.
The MWA’s water and sewer rates, even when accounting for three years of modest increases, are among the lowest and most competitive water utility rates in Georgia and the nation, providing evidence that MWA customers receive great value and affordability in their water and sewer services.
“It is of the upmost importance that the Authority continues to institute reasonable, incremental rate increases annually,†says Dr. Kirby Godsey, MWA Chairman of the Board. “The rates adopted as a part of our five-year rate plan ensure that our customers and the community continue to enjoy the benefits of the water and sewer services we provide at rates that will remain affordable and competitive.â€
Authority officials note that a proactive approach to implementing smaller, incremental rate increases protects customers against larger rate hikes in the future, which other water utilities – operating without proper rate planning – are forced to implement.
MWA customers will see a slight increase in both their water and sewer base fees, as well as minimal increases in their water and sewer consumption charges, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
At that time, the MWA variable or consumption rates will increase by 8 cents for water and by 20 cents for sewer, when compared to the rates of the previous year. However, MWA customers will pay no more than $2.00 per CCF for water and $2.26 per CCF for sewer – the rates on the top tier of the highest level of monthly consumption. (One unit or CCF is equal to 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.)
Also during 2014, the base rate for water and the base rate for sewer will increase by 50 cents each, for customers with either a 5/8†or 1†(standard) meter.
As Authority policies have prescribed annual, incremental rate increases, these rate changes are crucial for the utility’s financial health. Rate adjustments are necessary to keep revenues consistent with increasing costs and to pursue much needed capital improvements for the water and sewer system, with short- and long-term operational goals in mind. The MWA’s rate structure will assure the Authority properly manages its outstanding debt, while maintaining its current strong bond ratings.
The MWA’s five-year rate plan will be reviewed, analyzed and updated as needed during each (annual) budget cycle.
For more information, check out the “Learn More” link below, providing details on the complete “Rates, Fees, and Charges†of the Macon Water Authority.
Media contact:
Chris Wood, Ph.D.
770-757-1681 (phone)
jcwood@uga.edu (email)
Tagged: macon water authority, mwa, macon georgia, mwa rates, mwa fiveyear rate plan, mwa rate adjustments