Twin Cities Water Rates Database & Tool Development

BUDGET

  • $113,013

SCHEDULE

  • Completed December 31, 2016

SUMMARY

The Metropolitan Council in conjunction with CDM Smith updated and improved the 2015 Twin Cities Regional Water Billing Analysis, including a more in-depth analysis of water use and water rate structures, water conservation programs, and the development of a water rate lookup tool. This tool allows utility managers to assess whether or not the rates or rate structure should be changed such that future revenue is sufficient to meet the utility’s financial needs. Case studies were developed to help utilities learn what others have done to adjust rates and rate structures. Also, a rate assessment workshop was offered on December 7, 2016 for utility managers to share the study with the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

DELIVERABLES

OUTCOMES

  • Utilities have better information upon which to base water rate decisions.