NSUARB Decision 2011 NSUARB 19 - Town of Westville Water Utility rates
Westville, Nova Scotia
· adopted 2011-01-27
· summary & facts
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DECISION NSUARB-W-WEST-R-10
, 2011 NSUARB 19
NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD
) IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT
- and -
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION of the Town of Westville, on behalf of its
Water Utility, for Approval of Amendments to its Schedule of Rates and Charges for
Water and Water Services and its Schedule of Rules and Regulations
BEFORE: Murray E. Doehler, CA, P.Eng., Member
APPEARING: TOWN OF WESTVILLE
Gerry A. Isenor, P.Eng.
G.A. Isenor Consulting Limited
William H. Gates, MBA, P.Eng.
W.H. Gates Utility Consultants Ltd.
Scott Fraser
Chief Administrative Officer
| CERTIFY THAT THE WITHIN ISA
: TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE
seeing DATE: pesernber 2, a010 ORIGINAL DECISION.OF THE BOARD
ISO _DAY tan. , doer
FINAL SUBMISSIONS: December 10, 2010 DATED THIS)_DA\ pi — 204
OY Cn 04 4
CLERK
DECISION DATE: January 27, 2011
DECISION: Schedule of Rates and Charges approved, as amended.
Schedule of Rules and Regulations approved, as
amended.
Document: 185801
I SUMMARY
[1] The Town of Westville (the “Town”) applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and
Review Board (the “Board”) on behalf of its Water Utility (the “Utility’) for amendments to
its Schedule of Rates and Charges for Water and Water Services and its Schedule of
Rules and Regulations pursuant to the Public Utilities Act (the “Ac?’), R.S.N.S. 1989,
c.380. The Utility provides water at a wholesale rate to the Municipality of the County of
Pictou Water Utility (the “Municipality”). The existing Schedule of Rates for Water and
Water Services and Schedule of Rules and Regulations have been in effect since April
1, 2006 and April 1, 2005, respectively.
[2] The Utility's current Schedule of Rates and Charges contains rates for
customers experiencing inadequate water pressure, as identified in a list filed with the
Board as a part of the Utility's last rate application in 2004. The Board was advised by
the Utility that no customers are being charged these reduced rates as pumps have now
been installed to provide adequate pressure to all.
[3] A Rate Study to support the Application, dated August 24, 2010, was
prepared by G.A. Isenor Consulting Limited in associated with W.H. Gates Utility
Consultants Ltd. and was submitted to the Board on September 17, 2010 (Exhibit W-1).
Revisions to the Rate Study were filed as a part of the information requests (Exhibit W-
2) and included minor amendments with respect to: the Utility's calculated return on rate
base; the joint use percentage in 2012/13 used to calculate wholesale rates to the
Municipality; projected consumption volumes for residential customers: rounding of the
calculated public fire protection charges; and revisions to the wording of the proposed
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rates, rules and regulations. The Applicant noted that these revisions have a minimal
impact on rates.
[4] In correspondence to the Board dated October 18, 2010, the Utility
advised that it is converting its billing system from consumption measured in gallons to
consumption measured in cubic metres. In a letter to the Utility dated October 20, 2010,
the Board noted that this change in consumption units will be made to the Utility's
Schedule of Rates and Charges at the time of its next rate application, which is the
current Application before the Board.
[5] The Application proposes rates for the test years of 2010/11, 2011/12 and
2012/13. The proposed rate increases for the 5/8” meter residential customers, for each
of the test years, based upon an average quarterly consumption of 9,743 gallons are
37.7%, 4.9% and 4.5%, respectively. For all other metered customers(i.e., meter sizes
of %" to 2”) based upon the average quarterly consumption of each meter size, the
Application proposes rate increases between 36.3% to 37.4% in 2010/11, 4.3% to 7.1%
in 2011/12 and 4.1% to 5.9% in 2012/13.
[6] The wholesale rate to the Municipality, based upon a yearly consumption
of 2,497,000 gallons, which is projected to increase by 1% annually over the test period,
is proposed to increase by 27.2%, 5.5% and 3.3% respectively over the test years.
[7] The Application further proposes amendments to the annual public fire
protection charge to be paid to the Utility by the Town and the Municipality for each of
2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13. The fire protection rates for the Town and the
Municipality are proposed to be amended by -5.2%, 19.4% and 8.3%, respectively.
Document: 185801
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[8] The public hearing was held at the Town of Westville Council Chambers
on December 9, 2010, after due public notice. Gerry A. Isenor, P. Eng., of G.A. Isenor
Consulting Limited, and William H. Gates, MBA, P. Eng., of W.H. Gates Utility
Consultants Ltd., represented the Utility. The Utility was also represented by Scott
Fraser, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer. The Board received one letter of
comment from Mr. Gary MacLaughlin, a former Town Councillor, who spoke during the
hearing.
[9] A rate increase is approved, as amended by the Utility. The Rules and
Regulations are approved, as amended and requested by the Utility.
H INTRODUCTION
[10] The Utility purchases treated water at a wholesale rate from the Town of
New Glasgow Water Utility. The water is stored in a reservoir in the Town prior to
distribution to the Utility's customers. The Utility is responsible for any final treatment
required as well as the maintenance and construction of its distribution mains.
[11] The Utility’s distribution system is old and in need of upgrades. The Rate
Study includes the increased operating costs associated with maintaining the system,
as well as $850,000 in capital eouts tar main replacements.
[12] The Applicant currently serves 1,466 customers, of which 34 are located
outside of the Town’s boundaries, in addition to the Municipality which is a wholesale
customer. The Rate Study projects that there -will be growth of seven residential
customers per year for each of 2011/12 and 2012/13.
Document: 185801
«5.
[13] The Application was presented to the Board based upon the need to
adjust the rates as a result of the increased operating costs and the projected capital
program.
lil REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Operating Expenses
[14] The Application indicates that the Utility has an accumulated operating
surplus as at March 31, 2010 of $46,931. The Rate Study projects that at current rates,
the Utility will have increasing expenses over revenues, which will result in an
accumulated operating deficit of $614,090 at the end of 2012/13.
[15] A breakdown of the Utility's operating expenses was provided for 2008/09,
the year prior to the information presented in the Rate Study, which indicated a
significant increase in the maintenance of distribution mains expense from $66,291 in
2008/09 to $148,438 in 2009/10. When questioned by the Board with respect to this
increased cost, Mr. Isenor explained that it is due to deferred maintenance on the
mains, noting:
...| think what you're seeing is the pipes just probably corroding away and, until you can
afford to replace the whole street, you’re going to find yourself doing 20- foot sections,
which is not in the best long-term interest but it's probably the only thing you can do on a
cash-flow basis. In other words, you have to keep patching what you have.
[Transcript p. 43]
The maintenance of distribution mains expense is projected to increase by 3% annually
over the test period.
[16] With respect to the transmission and distribution expense, the Applicant
stated that it has had a leak detection program in place since the early 1990’s, due to
the significant number of leaks. The amount of non-revenue water is approximately
Document: 185801
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28%. The Utility explained that the use of residue from coal mines as pipe backfill
results in a chemical reaction with the pipe material causing leaks. The leak detection
operating expense was $11,600 in 2009/10 and is projected to increase annually by 3%
over the test period. The Utility added that it is felt that the best solution in dealing with
leaks is to establish a capital replacement program based upon the condition of the
mains (IR-19c, Exhibit W-2).
[17] It was noted by the Applicant that as a result of a recent analysis of cost
causation, new allocation rates between the Town and the Utility were determined, as
provided in response to the Information Requests (IR-13, Exhibit W-2). Mr. Fraser
explained that the allocations had been in existence since the early 1980’s and the
review determined that the Utility was not paying its fair share of the costs.
[18] The Applicant explained its budgeting process in response to the
Information Requests (IR-12, Exhibit W-2). The Board reviewed the Utility’s financial
statements for the year ended March 31, 2010 (IR-4, Exhibit W-2), noting its concern
that some of the expense items had a wide variance between budget and actual. In
response to Undertaking U-1, the Utility explained that there was an error in the
submission to the Board in that the 2009 budget was presented instead of the 2010
budget. The correct budget information was submitted, with the explanation that the
noted variances from actual figures for both the administration and general and
transmission and distribution expenses are due to the allocation changes made by the
Town after finalizing the budget.
[19] The Utility’s source of supply expense is based upon the wholesale rate
for water purchased from the New Glasgow Water Utility. Mr. Isenor explained that the
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projected source of supply expense is based upon the existing wholesale rate, with
some cushion for future rates, which may not be sufficient. He further noted that the
projection is based upon the best information available at the time.
[20] In the projections of the operating expenses in 2010/11, the Rate Study
reallocates the supervision and labour costs, which in previous years were distributed
equally among the cost centres of source of supply, power and pumping, water
treatment, and transmission and distribution. In 2009/10, the total supervision and
labour cost of $61,200 was allocated as $15,300 to each of the four cost centres. In
2010/11, the total cost is projected to increase by 3% to $63,036, with the reallocation,
as set out below, having the effect of reducing the source of supply, power and pumping
and water treatment expenses, and increasing the transmission and_ distribution
expense.
Source of Supply $5,000
Power and Pumping $5,000
Water Treatment $8,000
Transmission and Distribution $45,036
Total $63,036
[Exhibit W-2, IR-15]
[21] The Applicant explained that the reallocation of the supervision and labour
costs is considered to be representative of the amount of time spent in each of the cost
centres. In 2011/12, due to a redistribution of staff costs by the Town, which results in
more costs assigned to the Utility, the total supervision and labour cost is projected to
Document: 185801
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increase to $70,000. In 2012/13, the supervision and labour cost is projected to
increase by 3%.
[22] In 2011/12 and 2012/13, the operating expenses, with the exception of
supervision and labour, as noted above, and depreciation, are proposed to increase in
the order of inflation, or approximately 3%. The depreciation expense is based upon
the projected asset additions over the three test years.
[23] The depreciation rates for the proposed asset additions are as set out in
the Board’s Water Utility Accounting and Reporting Handbook (“Accounting
Handbook’). The depreciation expense related to the asset additions over the test
period is based upon claiming 50% of the depreciation in the year of becoming used
and useful and full rates in the following year. The response to Information Request
IR-20 indicates that this methodology is based upon the premise that new assets are,
on average, only used and useful for six months in the year in which they are
constructed.
Findings
[24] The Board is concerned with the significant number of leaks described by
the Utility. It notes that it is especially important for the Utility to reduce any non-
revenue water, given that it purchases water from New Glasgow, so any reduction in the
volume purchased results in a direct reduction in source of supply operating expenses.
The Board encourages the Utility to continue its leak detection efforts and to establish a
program to replace mains, as discussed later in this Decision.
[25] It is the Board’s understanding that the reallocation of expenses between
the Town and the Utility reflects current data and provides a more accurate basis than
Document: 185801
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that previously used. This allocation should be reviewed periodically, at more frequent
intervals than the 20 years since the last review, to ensure its accuracy. It further
appears that the reallocation of the supervision and labour expense is based upon an
analysis of the time spent in the cost centres, providing a more accurate representation.
[26] The Board accepts the Utility's explanation of its budgeting process as
well as the allocation of costs between the Town and the Utility and the allocation of
costs among the Utility's cost centres. Based upon the information provided, the Board
accepts the operating expenses as contained in the Rate Study.
[27] The Board further accepts the depreciation expense, based upon the 50%
calculation in the first year of asset acquisition, as contained in the Rate Study.
[28] The Board reminds the Utility to ensure that the preparation of its budgets
is as accurate as possible in order to provide Council and management with the best
financial information available when making decisions.
2. Capital Budget
[29] The projected capital budget for the three test years consists of
distribution main replacements in the amounts of $50,000 in 2010/11, $700,000 in
2011/12 and $100,000 in 2012/13, for a total of $850,000. The Applicant explained the
concentration on main replacement in the capital budgets:
The Westville system is old and in need of significant upgrading. The replacement of the
aging distribution network is a priority to maintain service.
[Exhibit W-2, IR-21]
Mr. Isenor noted that the rate of failure of mains in the system, given that it is suffering
from external corrosion, increases with time. He added that a million dollars in piping
“...doesn’t go very far.” (Transcript p. 43).
Document: 185801
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[30] The proposed funding of the projected main replacements is from
depreciation funds in 2010/11 and 2012/13. In 2011/12, the $700,000 budget is
proposed to be funded $200,000 from depreciation funds, with the remaining $500,000
from long term debt. The debt is to be repaid over 20 years at a 6% annual interest
rate.
[31] Mr. lsenor explained that the Utility's depreciation fund is in a favourable
position, with a current balance of approximately $229,000. With the funding of the
capital budgets, and the proposed transfer of depreciation funds in the amount of
$11,500 as non-operating revenue in 2010/11, the depreciation fund balance at the end
of the test period is projected to be approximately $31,000.
[32] The Rate Study does not project any external sources of funding for the
capital projects. The Applicant explained that while it constantly searches for external
funding opportunities, no programs are currently available.
Findings
[33] The proposed capital budget is based upon establishing a main
replacement plan to deal with the Utility’s significant leaks, which the Board finds to be
reasonable. As discussed, with respect to operating expenses, any reduction in leaks,
through increased maintenance, and through increased capital spending by replacing
mains on a priority basis, will, over time, result in a decrease in the Utility's non-revenue
water and a decrease in the Utility's expenses.
[34] The Board accepts the proposed funding of the capital projects through
depreciation and long term debt. The Board notes that the depreciation fund balance is
proposed to decrease significantly over the test period due to both the proposed funding
Document: 185801
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and the transfer to non-operating revenue, discussed below. The Board reminds the
Utility of the importance of maintaining an adequate depreciation fund balance in order
to provide funding for future capital asset replacements. Given that the main
replacement program requires significant capital expenditures to deal with the corroded
mains and leaks, the Board encourages the Utility to continue to seek external sources
of funding.
[35] The Utility is reminded that the inclusion of the proposed capital projects in
the Rate Study does not constitute Board approval of these projects. Separate Board
approval is required for projects in excess of $250,000 as set out in s. 35 of the Act.
3. Non-operating Revenue and Expenditures
[36] The Rate Study proposes to transfer an amount of $11,500 in 2010/11
from the Utility's depreciation fund as non-operating revenue, in order to moderate the
rate increase. The Applicant explained that the proposed amount is based on annual
repayment of the principal portion of the Utility’s present outstanding debt and noted
that, given the relatively small magnitude of the proposed transfer, the impact on the
ability to fund future capital projects will be minimal.
[37] The projected non-operating expenditures are: existing debt charges in
each of the test years; new debt charges in each of 2011/12 and 2012/13; and owner’s
return on rate base (dividend to owner) in 2012/13. The Applicant noted that the
existing debt relates to the replacement of distribution mains and booster pumps, with
the loan in the amount of $20,248 to be retired in 2016 and the loan of $170,190 to be
retired in 2020. The new debt charges are related to borrowing $500,000.
Document: 185801
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[38] The Rate Study includes $30,000 in 2012/13 as owner's return on rate
base, which the Applicant agreed to refer to as “Dividend to Owner”. The Applicant
stated that the amount was adopted by the Town of Westville Council (IR-10a, Exhibit
W-2). Mr. lsenor explained that the purpose of the dividend is to reduce the deficit,
which is projected to be approximately $95,000 at the end of the current, 2010/11 fiscal
year. He added:
...And the third year was the only year where we could get sort of any opportunity to do it
because the rate increase is just from getting things realigned was too much in the first
couple of years.
[Transcript p. 48]
[39] The calculations in the Rate Study result in a return on rate base of
0.16%, 1.60% and 2.36% for 2010/11, 2011/12 and- 2012/13, respectively. These
figures were amended to correct an error in the accumulated depreciation figures in
each of the test years (IR-26, Exhibit W-2). The revised calculations result in a return
on rate base of 0.12%. 1.17% and 1.69%, respectively. Mr. Isenor stated that the
projected low return on rate base during the test years indicates that the Utility is
“...certainly in good shape financially.” (Transcript p. 18).
Findings
[40] The Board accepts the non-operating expenses as outlined in the Rate
Study, relating to the existing and new debt charges.
[41] The Board further accepts the transfer from the Utility's depreciation fund
in 2010/11 to be used to pay a portion of the existing debt charges and moderate the
rate increase. The Board approves the transfer as requested by the Utility, but again
cautions the Utility that, given the state of its distribution mains, a healthy depreciation
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fund balance should be maintained to ensure that funding is available for the Utility's
future capital program.
[42] The Board has considered the treatment of the transfer of depreciation
funds as non-operating revenue on the calculation of return on rate base. If the amount
is removed in the calculation in 2010/11, the resulting calculated return on rate base is
0.38%. This does not bring the figure close to the assumed 6.0% cost of borrowing
(which is a Board allowed benchmark for return on rate base) and does not affect the
calculation of rates. For the purpose of this Application, the Board accepts the
calculations with the proposed transfer included; however, this practice will be reviewed
by the Board on a case by case basis.
[43] The revised calculations for the return on rate base do not appear to be
unreasonable. The Board approves the requested "dividend to owner" in 2012/13, on
the understanding that the amount is not actually paid out of the Utility, but is retained to
reduce the deficit.
IV ALLOCATION OF REVENUE REQUIREMENTS
1. Public Fire Protection
[44] The Application revises the methodology used to determine the annual
public fire protection charge, which is to be paid by each of the Town and the
Municipality. The Applicant noted that the methodology proposed is consistent with the
Accounting Handbook as well as the methodology used with the majority of other water
utilities in the Province. Mr. lsenor explained that in the previous rate study, the Utility’s
demand assets (i.e., distribution reservoirs, transmission and distribution mains) were
Document: 185801
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allocated to fire protection using fire flows, which resulted in an allocation percentage of
approximately 80%, as opposed to the standard 60% used in the majority of rate
applications. He noted that upon review, the previous allocation appeared to be out of
balance with what was known about the characteristics of other utilities around the
Province. He added:
... Therefore, we are recommending that this utility go back and use the standardized one
from the Board because using the fire flow one doesn’t appear to be appropriate, mainly
because they haven't any built infrastructure that would warrant that kind of a distribution.
There just isn’t any oversized pipes or dramatically changed distribution network that
would justify swaying it in that direction.
[Transcript p. 13]
[45] As a result of the change in methodology, the total public fire protection
charge is proposed to decrease from the current $278,114 to $263,418 in 2010/11,
followed by increases to $314,557 in 2011/12 and $340,544 in 2012/13. Mr. Isenor
explained:
...in the first year, the total between the town and the county, the rate goes down by
approximately $14,000, which will, I'm sure, show up in their tax base. But after that,
you'll see that the system, it actually rebounds back up to 314 and then 340,000. Some
of that as well is probably redistributing the labour, which is moving around. So we fixed
the two sort of areas, the labour drove it up and the distribution drove it back down. The
effect is that it almost came out where it was at in the first place.
[Transcript p. 17]
[46] The total fire protection charges are allocated between the Town and the
Municipality based upon the required fire flow methodology, as was used in the previous
application and is consistent with the methodology used by other water utilities. With
respect to the determination of the available fire flows to the Municipality, the
Application uses a 4.5 peaking factor, which is a change from the factor of three used in
the previous rate study. Mr. lsenor stated that it is his experience that a factor of three
is too low for a water utility of this size, and that in his opinion the 4.5 factor is a more
appropriate number. Mr. Gates added that the effect on the calculated fire protection
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charge of the proposed revision to the peaking factor is minimal. The result of the
calculations is that 48.9% of the maximum required fire flow to the Municipality is
available.
[47] The maximum required fire flows for the Town and the Municipality are
3,000 imperial gallons per minute (“igopm”) and 2,000 igpm, respectively, resulting in an
apportionment of fire protection charge of 40% to the Municipality. The fire protection
allocation to the Municipality is further reduced to 48.9%, to reflect the available fire
flow, to obtain the proposed fire protection charges to the Municipality of $105,367,
$125,823 and $136,218, respectively in each of the test years. The remainder is
allocated to the Town.
[48] The revised proposed fire protection charges to the Town; after correcting
for rounding errors, are $211,894 in 2010/11, $253,029 in 2011/12 and $273,933 in
2012/13. (IR-38, Exhibit W-2). .
Findings
[49] Based upon the information provided, the Board accepts and approves the
methodology used to determine the annual public fire protection charge, which is
consistent with the Accounting Handbook. The Board further accepts and approves the
method used to apportion the total charge between the Town and the County, which is
consistent with the Utility's previous application.
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2. Utility Customers
a) Wholesale
[50] The Rate Study allocates the total revenue requirements, less the total fire
protection charge, to joint use in order to determine the base and commodity charges
for the Municipality and customers of the Utility. All components of the revenue
requirement were allocated to joint-use using a methodology which is consistent with
that used by other utilities. One significant change from the previous rate study is the
allocation of power and pumping, which was allocated 100% to joint-use in the last
application and is allocated at 0% in the current application. The Utility explained that
the reason for the 0% allocation to joint-use is that the pumping station does not provide
service to the County (IR-27, Exhibit W-2).
[51] The joint use allocation of source of supply, water treatment and
transmission and distribution expenses, at 100%, 100% and 43%, respectively are the
same as in the previous allocation. The joint-use allocation of the collection and
administration expense decreased from 38% in the last rate study to 33.11% in the
current study. The Applicant explained that although the methodology used has not
changed, the current budget has a higher amount for collection and billing than in
previous years. This required a reduction in the amount that could be charged to joint-
use (IR-30, Exhibit W-2). The depreciation expense allocation to joint-use remained
essentially the same at 25.86% (25% in the last rate study). Based upon the current
data, the tax expense allocation decreased slightly from 36% to 33.85%.
[52] The joint-use allocation of return on rate base ranges from 29.0% in
2012/13 to 100% in 2010/11, in comparison with the range of 8% to 42% in the last rate
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application. The Applicant explained that the higher allocation in 2010/11 is due to the
transfer of depreciation funds in that year to fund a portion of the debt. It was further
noted that there was an error in the joint-use allocation in 2012/13, which, when
corrected, results in a slight increase in the allocation from 29% to 29.98%, which Mr.
Isenor explained has a minimal impact on rates (IR-31b, Exhibit W-2). The Board
stated that the more accurate figure should be used in the rate calculations.
[53] The joint-use figures are further allocated to the Municipality at 3.64%,
3.66% and 3.68%, respectively over each of the test years, based upon the annual
amount of water consumed by the Municipality as a percent of the water sold by the
Utility. In the previous application, the Municipality used 3.42% of the water sold by the
Utility.
Findings
[54] The Board accepts the figures, as revised in responses to the Information
Requests, which amend the allocation of the joint-use return on rate base in 2012/13.
The effect is an increase from the wholesale rates presented in the Rate Study of
approximately $4 per quarter in that year. The Board further accepts the consumption
figures used in the allocation of joint-use expenses.
b) Retail Customers
[55] The remaining revenue requirements, after the allocation to fire protection
charges and the wholesale rate to the Municipality, are to be recovered from the rates to
the Utility’s retail customers. The methodology used to allocate the remainder of the
expense items to determine the base and consumption charges is consistent with both
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the Accounting Handbook and the last rate study, with the exception of the transmission
and distribution expense.
[56] In the Utility's last rate study the transmission and distribution expense
was allocated at 50% to base and 50% to delivery. In the Accounting Handbook, it is
suggested that this expense be allocated 100% to delivery. In the Rate Study the
allocation to base/delivery varies from 40%/60%, 35%/65%, and 30%/70% in each of
the test years, respectively. Mr. Isenor explained that, in his opinion, the allocation
should be as presented in the Accounting Handbook, and in order to reduce the impact
on the customers, this change has been phased in, with the hope that in the future, it
will continue as it moves to an 100% allocation to delivery. He stated that the revised
allocation, which has the effect of increasing the consumption charges and reducing the
base charges, will give customers more control over their water bills through
conservation. In response to the Board’s question as to whether there were any
concerns in meeting revenue requirements with shifting cost recovery to consumption
charges, Mr. Isenor noted that consumption levels have already dropped from the time
of the last rate study and that the base rates are currently high in comparison to the
consumption rates. He concluded that the proposed revision is in the best interests of
the customers.
[57] Mr. Isenor reviewed the proposed rates, noting that a quarterly bill of
approximately $114 for a residential customer in the final test year of 2012/13 is “...quite
favourable compared to many utilities.” (Transcript p. 23).
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Findings
[58] The Board accepts the calculations of base and commodity charges,
including the revised allocation of the transmission and distribution expenses, as
presented in the Rate Study. The Board encourages the Utility, in future rate studies, to
continue increasing the allocation of transmission and distribution expenses to delivery
as it deems it is appropriate.
Vv SUBMISSIONS
[59] Gary MacLaughlin, a former Town Councillor and citizen of Westville
spoke during the hearing. He expressed his concerns with the timing of the public
hearing, in the morning, when many people who are working cannot be in attendance to
make a presentation. He voiced his opposition to the rate increases proposed,
describing the increases as unreasonable, based upon the ability to pay. He noted that
the majority of the residents of the Town are on a fixed income. Mr. MacLaughlin
further expressed his concern about the pollution tax attached to the water rates. This
tax is supposed to terminate in five more years, but it may be continued by the Council
of the day.
[60] With respect to the time of the public hearing, the Board responded on
October 12, 2010 to Mr. MacLaughlin’s earlier correspondence of October 7, 2010, that
if sufficient interest was received in writing with respect to the hearing, a later session
would be added. No request for an evening session was received.
[61] During the public hearing, the Board explained to Mr. MacLaughlin that in
accordance with the Acf, a utility may charge rates which cover prudent expenses and
return on rate base. Section 45(1) of the Act states, in part:
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Amount utility entitled to earn annually
45 (1) Every public utility shall be entitled to earn annually such return as the Board
deems just and reasonable on the rate base as fixed and determined by the Board for
each type or kind of service furnished, rendered or supplied by such public utility, ...
(2) Such return shall be in addition to such expenses as the Board may allow as
reasonable and prudent and properly chargeable to operating account, and to all just
allowances made by the Board according to this Act and the rules and regulations of the
Board.
As discussed above, the Board does not find the expenses included in the revenue
requirements proposed in the Rate Study to be unreasonable.
[62] The Board notes that the setting of the “pollution tax” described by Mr.
MacLaughlin is not within its jurisdiction.
Vi MISCELLANEOUS RATES AND CHARGES
[63] In addition to the rates for water supply to its customers, the Application
requests approval of a number of miscellaneous rates and charges which were set out
in a response to Information Request IR-40. Mr. Isenor explained the majority of the
proposed changes relate to the actual cost of providing the services and are consistent
in amount with other utilities in the Province.
[64] The date for the payment of fire protection charges of October 1 of each
year has been added, which Mr. Isenor stated is “...reflective of the second tax billing,
which is quite common now in.the province.” (Transcript p. 27). A revised wording of
the calculation of Rate 2 ‘Public Fire Protection Rate’ in the years following the test
period (Schedule C) was provided by the Applicant (IR-40c, Exhibit W-2). The Board
suggested, and the Applicant agreed, that in the determination of the fire protection
charge to the Town, the words net of be replaced with Jess, to read:
C. The Town of Westville portion shall be the calculated amount from A above Jess the
County of Pictou portion as calculated in B. above.
Document: 185801
-21-
Findings
[65] The Board approves the miscellaneous charges as filed, with the
amendments to Rate 2 ‘Public Fire Protection Rate’ to include both the total fire
protection charges corrected from rounding, and the wording changes to Schedule C,
as discussed above.
Vil SCHEDULE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
[66] The response to an Information Request (IR-44, Exhibit W-2) lists the
proposed changes to the Utility's Schedule of Rules and Regulations, which Mr. Isenor
described as similar to other water utilities. The Applicant explained that in cases where
a regulation included a charge which has been revised, the revision reflects the actual
cost of the service provided.
[67] A number of minor changes to the proposed regulations were discussed .
by the Applicant. It was noted that the definition for “unmetered service” should be
removed (IR-46, Exhibit W-2), as should the last paragraph of Regulation 24 ‘Service
Pipes’ which refers to charges for applicants for water service outside of the Town’s
boundary (IR-51c, Exhibit W-2). The Applicant noted that Regulation 17 ‘Plumbing to
be Satisfactory’ should refer to the Town and not the Municipality. It was further
confirmed by the Applicant that the reference to monthly bills in Regulation 7 ‘Meter
Reading’ should be retained, even though currently it is not the practice of the Utility to
bill monthly. Mr. Gates explained that this clause will be useful in the event that there is
a large customer in the future.
Document: 185801
-22-
[68] The Applicant stated that it has an active Cross Connection Control
Program, as set out in Regulation 19 ‘Cross Connection Control and Backflow
Prevention’ (IR-50, Exhibit W-2).
Findings
[69] The Board finds the proposed changes to the Utility’s Schedule of Rules
and Regulations, with the amendments noted above, to be reasonable.
Vill CONCLUSION
[70] The amendments to the Rate Study, which were in response to the
Information Requests, have a minimal effect on rates. The correction to the joint-use
allocation of rate base, which has a slight affect on the wholesale rates to the
Municipality in 2012/13 and the corrections to rounding errors in the public fire
protection charge, are accepted and approved by the Board. In addition, as noted in the
Board’s letter to the Utility dated October 20, 2010, the Board will revise the Schedule of
Rates, to express the consumption rate in cubic metres. This does not impact the rates.
[71] The Application requests rate increases effective January 1, 2011, April 1,
2011 and April 1, 2012, which are not possible given the timing of the hearing. The
Applicant explained that it can prorate bills if a rate increase is approved during a
quarterly billing cycle, noting that given its deficit position, new rates are needed at the
earliest possible time. The Board approves the Schedule of Rates and Charges for
Water and Water Services supplied on and after February 1, 2011, April 1, 2011 and
April 1, 2012, with the amendments noted above and are attached hereto as Schedules
“A’, “B” and “C”. The approved annual public fire protection charge for the 2010/11
Document: 185801
« 73
fiscal year is based upon prorating the existing rate over the ten month period of April 1,
2010 to January 31, 2011 and prorating the rate approved in the Application over the
remaining two months of the year.
[72] The Board approves the Schedule of Rules and Regulations, with the
revisions noted above, attached hereto as Schedule “D’, with an effective date of
February 1, 2011.
[73] An Order will issue accordingly.
DATED at Halifax, Nova Scotia, this 27" day of January, 2011.
“Murray E. Doehler
Document: 185801
SCHEDULE "A"
WESTVILLE WATER UTILITY
/ SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICES
(Effective for water supplied on and after February 1, 201 1)
The rates set out below are the rates approved by the Board for water and water
bill.
services when payment is made within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the
When payment is made after 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill, the
rates will include interest charges of 1.17% per month, or part thereof.
Each bill shall show the amount payable within 30 days from the date rendered as
shown on the bill.
In this Schedule, the word "Utility" means the Westville Water Utility, of the Town of
Westville.
1. RATES:
(a) Base Charges
Size of Meter
5/8"
3/4"
4 u
1 yy"
2"
3"
4"
6"
8”
(b) | Consumption Rates
$1.25 per cubic metre
Document: 181713
Quarterly
48.33
71.22
116.99
231.41
368.72
134.89
1,146.82
2,291.07
4,121.88
(c) | Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points.
Base Rate Consumption Rate
$626.96/quarter $1.08 per cubic metre
(d) Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2. PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Westville shall pay annually to the Utility for fire protection on or
before March1, 2011 the sum of $221,652.
The Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay annually to the Utility for fire
protection on or before March 1, 2011 the sum of $54,013.
3. RATES FOR SPRINKLER SERVICE
Each building having a sprinkler system installed shall pay annually for the
service as follows:
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 6" or less in diameter $200.00
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 8" or more in diameter $250.00
4. WATER FOR BUILDINGS OR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Utility may furnish water to any person requiring a supply thereof for the
construction of a building or other works. This person shall deposit with the
Utility such sum as may be determined by the Utility as is sufficient to defray the
cost of making the necessary connection to any water service or main together
with the cost of the meter to be installed to measure the water consumed. Upon
completion of the work and the return of the meter to the Utility, a refund will be
made after deducting the cost, if any, of repairing the water service box, the
meter and of testing the same and payment of the base and connection charges
and the consumption rates in respect to such installation.
Document: 181713
10.
PRIVATE HYDRANT CONNECTION RATES
Per hydrant per year $200.00.
RATES FOR WATER SUPPLIED FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
Whenever the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for any
purpose, excepting those of the Fire Department for fire use, the Utility may grant
a permit containing such terms and conditions as it may provide, including
arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant,
and a service charge for commercial consumers of $60.00 for connection and
disconnection and a consumption charge for the amount of water used, as
estimated by the water utility, at meter consumption rates.
CHARGES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING WATER SERVICE
When water service has been suspended for any violation of the Rules and
Regulations of the Utility, such water service shall not be re-established until a
reconnection charge of $50.00 has been paid to the Utility. If reconnection is
outside of regular working hours, the charge is $150.00.
CONNECTION FEE
The. Utility shall charge a $50.00 fee for the creation of a water account,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have
occurred.
Whenever a customer requests the water be turned off from any premises for an
extended period of time, a charge of $50.00 shall be made for turning off the
water, and no additional charge shall be made for turning it on again when this is
requested unless such request is after regular working hours of the Utility when a
fee of $150.00 shall apply.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE
A special service charge of $50.00 ($150.00 if such work is performed after
regular working hours) shall be made to each customer receiving a necessary or
requested service, such as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other
special services not provided for elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and
regulations except for water service repairs requested by the Utility. In the case
where the shutting off is requested because there is no operable shut off valve
serving the dwelling, an isolation valve must be installed.
Document: 181713
11. CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES
The Utility shall charge a $20.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
12. CHARGE FOR MISSED APPOINTMENT BY CUSTOMERS
Where an appointment has been made by a customer to have a water service
hooked up or a meter inspected, or water turned on to a property, or other visits
to the property for the inception or maintenance of water service to the property,
and the customer fails to keep the appointment or the plumbing is not completed
to allow for installation of a water meter and the Utility's staff have to return to
the property, there may be a charge of $50.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of
the Utility, it is required.
Document: 181713
SCHEDULE "B"
WESTVILLE WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICES
(Effective for water supplied on and after April 1, 2011)
The rates set out below are the rates approved by the Board for water and water
bill.
services when payment is made within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the
When payment is made after 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill, the
rates will include interest charges of 1.17% per month, or part thereof.
Each bill shall show the amount payable within 30 days from the date rendered as
shown on the bill.
In this Schedule, the word "Utility" means the Westville Water Utility, of the Town of
Westville.
if RATES:
(a) Base Charges _
Size of Meter
5/8"
3/4"
i
1%"
2"
3"
4"
6"
8”
(6) | Consumption Rates
$1.37 per cubic metre
Document: 181713
Quarterly
48.26
71.07
116.70
230.77
367.66
732.70
1,143.36
2,284.10
4,109.28
(c) | Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points.
Base Rate Consumption Rate
$681 .67/quarter $1.12 per cubic metre
(d) Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2. PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Westville shall pay annually to the Utility for fire protection on or
before October 1, 2011 the sum of $253,029.
The Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay annually to the Utility for fire
protection on or before October 1, 2010 the sum of $61,527.
5. RATES FOR SPRINKLER SERVICE
Each building having a sprinkler system installed shall pay annually for the
service as follows:
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 6" or less in diameter $200.00
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 8" or more in diameter $250.00
4. WATER FOR BUILDINGS OR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Utility may furnish water to any person requiring a supply thereof for the
construction of a building or other works. This person shall deposit with the
Utility such sum as may be determined by the Utility as is sufficient to defray the
cost of making the necessary connection to any water service or main together
with the cost of the meter to be installed to measure the water consumed. Upon
completion of the work and the return of the meter to the Utility, a refund will be
made after deducting the cost, if any, of repairing the water service box, the
meter and of testing the same and payment of the base and connection charges
and the consumption rates in respect to such installation.
Document: 181713
10.
PRIVATE HYDRANT CONNECTION RATES
Per hydrant per year $200.00.
RATES FOR WATER SUPPLIED FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
Whenever the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for any
purpose, excepting those of the Fire Department for fire use, the Utility may grant
a permit containing such terms and conditions as it may provide, including
arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant,
and a service charge for commercial consumers of $60.00 for connection and
disconnection and a consumption charge for the amount of water used, as
estimated by the water utility, at meter consumption rates.
CHARGES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING WATER SERVICE
When water service has been suspended for any violation of the Rules and
Regulations of the Utility, such water service shall not be re-established until a
reconnection charge of $50.00 has been paid to the Utility. If reconnection is
outside of regular working hours, the charge is. $150.00.
CONNECTION FEE
The Utility shall charge a $50.00 fee for the creation of a water account,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have
occurred.
DISCONNECTION FEE
Whenever a customer requests the water be turned off from any premises for an
extended period of time, a charge of $50.00 shall be made for turning off the
water, and no additional charge shall be made for turning it on again when this is
requested unless such request is after regular working hours of the Utility when a
fee of $150.00 shall apply.
SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE
A special service charge of $50.00 ($150.00 if such work is performed after
regular working hours) shall be made to each customer receiving a necessary or
requested service, such as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other
special services not provided for elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and
regulations except for water service repairs requested by the Utility. In the case
Document: 181713
where the shutting off is requested because there is no operable shut off valve
serving the dwelling, an isolation valve must be installed.
11. CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES
The Utility shall charge a $20.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
12. CHARGE FOR MISSED APPOINTMENT BY CUSTOMERS
Where an appointment has been made by a customer to have a water service
hooked up or a meter inspected, or water turned on to a property, or other visits
to the property for the inception or maintenance of water service to the property,
and the customer fails to keep the appointment or the plumbing is not completed
to allow for installation of a water meter and the Utility's staff have to return to
the property, there may be a charge of $50.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of
the Utility, it is required. .
Document: 181713
SCHEDULE "C"
WESTVILLE WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR WATER AND WATER SERVICES
(Effective for water supplied on and after April 1, 2012)
The rates set out below are the rates approved by the Board for water and water
bill.
services when payment is made within 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the
When payment is made after 30 days from the date rendered as shown on the bill, the
rates will include interest charges of 1.17% per month, or part thereof.
Each bill shall show the amount payable within 30 days from the date rendered as
shown on the bill.
In this Schedule, the word "Utility" means the Westville Water Utility, of the Town of
Westville.
1. RATES:
(a) Base Charges
Size of Meter
5/8"
3/: "
1 "W
1 yy"
2"
3"
4"
6"
8”
(b) | Consumption Rates
$1.47 per cubic metre
Document: 181713
Quarterly
48.71
71.72
117.74
232.78
370.84
738.99
1,153.16
2,303.62
4,144.36
(c) Wholesale Rates for the Municipality of Pictou County
For water supplied at all metered service points. _
Base Rate Consumption Rate
$707.1 1/quarter $1.15 per cubic metre
(d) Minimum Bill
The minimum bill shall be the Base Charge.
2. PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION RATE
The Town of Westville shall pay annually to the Utility for fire protection on or
before October 1, 2012 the sum of $273,933.
The Municipality of the County of Pictou shall pay annually to the Utility for fire
protection on or before October 1, 2010 the sum of $66,610.
A. For subsequent years, the annual public fire protection rate for both the Town
of Westville and the Municipality of the County of Pictou shall be based on the
above or:
(a) the sum of 46.0% of transmission and distribution, taxes, depreciation
expenses of the Utility and return on rate base of the immediately
preceding year, plus
(b) 10% of all other expenses,
Whichever is the greater.
B. The Municipality of the County of Pictou portion of the calculated amount shall
be based on the following calculation:
Total Calculated Fire Protection Rate x 40% x 48.9% = County Fire Protection Charge.
C. The Town of Westville portion shall be the calculated amount from A above
less the County of Pictou portion as calculated in B above.
Document: 181713
RATES FOR SPRINKLER SERVICE
Each building having a sprinkler system installed shall pay annually for the
service as follows:
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 6" or less in diameter $200.00
Each building serviced by a sprinkler service
pipe of 8" or more in diameter $250.00
WATER FOR BUILDINGS OR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Utility may furnish water to any person requiring a supply thereof for the
construction of a building or other works. This person shall deposit with the
Utility such sum as may be determined by the Utility as is sufficient to defray the
cost of making the necessary connection to any water service or main together
' with the cost of the meter to be installed to measure the water consumed. Upon
completion of the work and the return of the meter to the Utility, a refund will be
made after deducting the cost, if any, of repairing the water service box, the
meter and of testing the same and payment of the base and connection charges
and the consumption rates in respect to such installation.
PRIVATE HYDRANT CONNECTION RATES
Per hydrant per year $200.00.
RATES FOR WATER SUPPLIED FROM FIRE HYDRANTS
Whenever the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for any
purpose, excepting those of the Fire Department for fire use, the Utility may grant
a permit containing such terms and conditions as it may provide, including
arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant,
and a service charge for commercial consumers of $60.00 for connection and
disconnection and a consumption charge for the amount of water used, as
estimated by the water utility, at meter consumption rates. ;
CHARGES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING WATER SERVICE
Document: 181713
4
When water service has been suspended for any violation of the Rules and
Regulations of the Utility, such water service shall not be re-established until a
reconnection charge of $50.00 has been paid to the Utility. If reconnection is
outside of regular working hours, the charge is $200.00.
8. CONNECTION FEE
The Utility shall charge a $50.00 fee for the creation of a water account,
notwithstanding the fact that no physical disconnection of the system may have
occurred.
9. DISCONNECTION FEE
Whenever a customer requests the water be turned off from any premises for an
extended period of time, a charge of $50.00 shall be made for turning off the
water, and no additional charge shall be made for turning it on again when this is
requested unless such request is after regular working hours of the Utility when a
fee of $200.00 shall apply.
10. SPECIAL SERVICE CHARGE
A special service charge of $50.00 ($200.00 if such work is performed after
regular working hours) shall be made to each customer receiving a necessary or
requested service, such as the shutting off or turning on of water service or other
special services not provided for elsewhere in the schedules or the rules and
regulations except for water service repairs requested by the Utility. In the case
where the shutting off is requested because there is no operable shut off valve
serving the dwelling, an isolation valve must be installed.
11. CHARGE FOR NON-NEGOTIABLE CHEQUES |
The Utility shall charge a $20.00 administration fee for cheques that, due to non-
negotiability, have been rejected by the Utility's bank.
12. CHARGE FOR MISSED APPOINTMENT BY CUSTOMERS
Where an appointment has been made by a customer to have a water service
hooked up or a meter inspected, or water turned on to a property, or other visits
to the property for the inception or maintenance of water service to the property,
and the customer fails to keep the appointment or the plumbing is not completed
to allow for installation of a water meter and the Utility's staff have to return to
the property, there may be a charge of $50.00 for each visit if, in the judgment of
the Utility, it is required.
Document: 181713
iy SCHEDULE “D”
Jf WESTVILLE WATER UTILITY
SCHEDULE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
GOVERNING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND WATER SERVICES
(Effective February 1, 2011)
1. In these rules and regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the
expression:
“TOWN” means, as the context may require, the Town of Westville.
“UTILITY”: means the Westville Water Utility.
“CUSTOMER” means a person, a property owner, firm or corporation who, or
which contracts to be supplied with water at a specific location or locations.
“METERED RATE SERVICE” means that type of service charged for at metered
rates and is supplied to customers other than those supplied by flat rate service.
Metered rate service is required for all new services.
2. LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF WATER BILL: An agreement is deemed to exist
between a customer and the Utility for the supply of water service at such rates
and in accordance with these Regulations by virtue of:
(a) the customer applying for and receiving approval for water service;
(b) the customer consuming or paying for water service from the date that the
customer who is a party to an agreement pursuant to clause (a) (the
customer of record) moves out of the premises, in which case the
customer of record shall remain jointly and severally liable for the water
service account up to the date the Utility is notified that the customer of
record wishes to terminate the supply of water service.
At the discretion of the Utility, a property owner who rents or leases a
property or self-contained unit to a tenant or lessee may be required to
open an account for the provision of water at the property rented or
leased.
Document: 181713
(c) Any person, business or corporation that receives water service without
the consent of the Utility, shall be liable for the cost of such water service
which cost shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Utility based
upon its reasonable estimate of the amount of water utilized.
(dq) Where service is supplied to a condominium unit, the Condominium
Corporation in which the units is situated shall be deemed to be the
customer of record and shall be liable for payment of the service bill for
the condominium unit.
3. DEPOSITS: When required, an applicant for service shall deposit with the Utility
a sum equal to the previous year’s average bill for the meter size for such service
for a period of three months, or such lesser amount as the Utility may demand (a
minimum of $50.00). This deposit shall be held by the Utility as collateral
security for the payment of the customer's bills, but is not to be considered as a
payment on account thereof. When the customer ceases to use the service and
discharges all their liability to the Utility in respect of such service, the deposit
Shall be returned to him with interest based on the rate of interest obtained by the
Town of Westville on its surplus cash balances on deposit with its banker as at
March 31 of each fiscal year.
4. REFUSAL OF SERVICE: Service may be refused or suspended to any
customer who has failed to discharge all of his liabilities to the Utility.
Sh PAYMENT OF BILLS: Bills shall be rendered to each customer at intervals of
either monthly or approximately three months (quarterly) and shall be payable
within thirty days after the date rendered. Bills are due on the billing date and
bills not paid within thirty days after the billing date shall be subject to the interest
charge as set out in the Schedule of Rates and Charges.
6. ADJUSTMENT OF BILLS:
(a) | Where meters exist - If the seal of a meter is broken or if a meter does not
register correctly, the bill for that water service shall be estimated in
accordance with the best data available. Any customer desiring to
question a water bill must do so in writing within 30 days of the bill being
rendered.
(b) | Customers Under-billed - Should it be necessary for the Utility to make a
billing adjustment as a result of a customer being under-billed for any
reason, such adjustment shall be retroactive for a maximum of four billing
periods or one year, whichever is the longest. Notwithstanding the above,
in the event that a billing adjustment is the result of the customer's illegal
connection to the water system or willful interference or damage of
Document: 181713
metering equipment (where they exist), the billing adjustment in such
circumstances will not be limited to one year or four billing periods, but
rather the customer shall be responsible for all payments of such accounts
from the date such illegal connection or interference to meter equipment
took place.
(c) | Customer Over-billed - Shall it become necessary for the Utility to make a
billing adjustment as a result of a customer being over-billed for any
reason, such adjustment will be estimated by the Utility, and the Utility will
be responsible for payment of the over-billed amount with interest
calculated on the basis of current simple interest paid by the bank.
7. METER READING: In the case of Metered Service Customers who are billed
quarterly, meters shall be read in at least two of the four quarters, normally, the
second and fourth, and subject to Regulation 8, each billing for these quarters
shall be based upon the meter reading with adjustment for any earlier estimated
reading. The Utility may, at its option, estimate the readings in the alternate
quarters based on the actual consumption from the previous quarter. In the case
of Metered Service Customers who are billed monthly, meters shall be read
monthly.
8. ESTIMATED READINGS FOR BILLING PURPOSES -— METERED
CUSTOMERS: If the Utility is unable to obtain a meter reading for billing
purposes, after exercising due diligence in the usual practice of meter reading,
the bill for that service shall be estimated in accordance with the best data
available, subject, however, to the provision that in no circumstance will that
estimated reading be used for more than two (2) consecutive billing periods. If
an estimated bill is rendered for two (2) consecutive billing periods, the Utility
shall notify the customer by regular mail that arrangements must be made for the
Utility to obtain a reading and, failing such arrangements, the Utility may suspend
service until such arrangements are made. When such meter reading has been
obtained, the previous estimated bill or bills shall be adjusted accordingly.
9. SUSPENSION OF SERVICE FOR NON-PAYMENT OF BILLS: The Utility shall
have the right to enter onto customers’ premises within reasonable hours to
suspend service to customers whose bills remain unpaid for more than forty
calendar days after the date rendered. The customer shall pay the reconnection
fee as set out in the Charges for Re-establishing Water Service in the Schedule
of Rates and Charges after each suspension. Service suspension can be
delayed if approved payment arrangements have been made and the customer
is in compliance with arrangements.
10. WATER TO BE SUPPLIED BY METER: Except where water is used for
construction purposes from a hydrant under the supervision of the Utility and
Document: 181713
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
except as in these regulations otherwise provided, all services other than those
used exclusively for fire protection shall be metered. Any building occupied by
more than one tenant shall have a separate meter with appropriate isolation
valves for each tenant. With the Utility's approval, such a building may be
serviced by one meter, provided the landlord is the customer. The Utility shall
determine the size and type of meter to be installed in each case. All meters
shall be the property of the Utility.
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF METERS: Meters shall be installed and
removed only by the employees or duly authorized representatives of the Utility
and no other person shall install, alter, change, or remove a meter without the
written permission of the Utility. The plumbing and connections shall be properly
prepared to receive the installation of such meters to the approval of and without
expense to the Utility.
METER READERS: Each Meter Reader shall be provided with an official
identification which he/she shall exhibit on request.
ACCESS TO CUSTOMER'S PREMISES: Representatives of the Utility shall
have right of access to all parts of a customer’s property or premises at all
reasonable hours for the purposes of inspecting any water pipes or fittings, or
appliances, or discontinuing service, or for the purpose of installing, removing,
repairing, reading or inspecting meters. The Utility shall have the right to
suspend service to any customer who refuses such access.
LOCATION OF METERS: The Utility shall have the right to refuse service to, or
suspend the service of, any customer who does not provide a place which, in the
opinion of the Utility, is suitable for the meter. It should be in the building served,
at or near the point of entry of the service pipe, in a place where it can be easily
read and exchanged and where it will not be exposed to freezing temperatures.
When the premises of a customer are of such a nature that a meter cannot be
properly installed in a building, or if the building is not sufficiently frost proof as to
guarantee the safety of the meter, the Utility may order the construction of a
Suitable frost proof box in which the meter can be installed. Service to such
premises may be refused or suspended until such a frost proof box approved by
the Utility is installed.
DAMAGE TO WATER METERS: Each customer shall be responsible for the
meter installed on his service and shall protect it. He shall be liable for any
damage to the meter resulting from carelessness, hot water or steam, or the
action of frost or from any other cause not the fault of the Utility or its employees.
The cost to the Utility occasioned by such damage to the meter shall be paid by
the customer. If, after the rendering of a bill by the Utility to the customer for
Document: 181713
such cost, the same is not paid within forty days from the date rendered, the
supply of water to the customer concerned may be suspended until all charges
are paid.
16. METER TESTING. On the request to have their meter tested, the Utility. may
charge the sum of $100.00 to defray, in part, the cost of making the test for
meters up to 1 % inch in size. In the case of meters 1-1/2 inches and larger, the
actual cost of the test will be paid by the customer. If the test shows that the
meter is over-registering by more than one and one half percent (1 %%) for
positive displacement meters and three percent (3%) for turbine or compound
meters, the sum so deposited will be refunded to the customer.
17. PLUMBING TO BE SATISFACTORY: All plumbing, pipes and fittings, fixtures,
and other devices for conveying, distributing, controlling, or utilizing water, which
are used by a customer and are not the property of the Utility, shall be installed in
the manner provided by the Regulations of and be approved by the proper official
of the Town and/or the operators of the Utility The water shall not be turned on
(except for construction or testing purposes) until the applicant for service has
satisfied the Utility that these requirements have been met. The supply of water
may be discontinued to any customer at any time if, in the opinion of the proper
official of the Town and/or the operator of the Utility, the plumbing, pipes, fittings,
fixtures, or other devices as hereinbefore mentioned, or any of them, fail to
comply with the above requirements, or if any part of the water system of such
customer or the meter is in any unsuitable, dirty, unsanitary, or inaccessible
place. Service shall not be re-established until such condition is corrected to the
satisfaction of the Utility.
18. REMOTE REGISTERING WATER METERS: When a remote registering water
meter is installed on a customer's premises under a general outside register
installation program of the Utility, then the cost of the meter and its installation
shall be paid by the Utility. The meter shall become the property of the Utility
which shall become responsible for its operation, maintenance and replacement.
Any damage to the meter caused by the negligence or wrongful acts or
omissions by the customer, his agents or members of his family, shall be paid for
by the customer, and the failure by the customer to make the payment shall
entitle the Utility, after making a forty day written demand for the payment, to
disconnect the water service to the customer.
19. CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL & BACKFLOW PREVENTION:
(a) No owner, consumer, customer or other person hereinafter collectively
referred to in this rule and regulation as “person” shall connect, cause to
be connected, or allow to remain connected to the water system, or
plumbing installation, without the express written consent of the Utility, any
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(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
piping fixtures, fittings container or appliance in a manner which, under
any circumstances, may allow water, wastewater, or any other liquid,
chemical or substance, to ingress or egress the water system.
Where, in the opinion of the Utility, there may be a risk of contamination to
the potable water system, notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph
(a), the Utility may require the customer, at the customer’s sole cost and
expense, to install at any point on the customer’s water service connection
or water service pipe, one or more backflow prevention (BFP) devices,
which devices shall be of a quality and type approved by the Utility.
All BFP devices shall be maintained in good working order. Such devices
must be inspected and tested by a certified tester, approved by the Utility,
at the expense of the customer. Such inspections shall take place upon
installation, and thereafter annually, or more often if required by the Utility.
The customer shall submit a report in a form approved by the Utility on
any or all tests performed on a BFP device within 30 days of a test. A
record card shall be displayed on or adjacent to the BFP device on which
the tester shall record the name and address of the owner of the device;
the location, type, manufacturer, serial number and size of the device; and
the test date, the tester’s initials, the tester’s name, the name of his
employer, and the tester’s license number.
Installation, maintenance, field-testing and selection of all BFP devices
shall fully conform to the latest revision of CSA B64.10 and CSA B64
series.
In the event of any breach, contravention or non-compliance by a person
of any of the provisions and regulations in sub-paragraphs (a),(b),(c) or (d)
the Utility may:
(i) suspend water service to such person, or
(ii) give notice to the person to correct the breach, contravention or
non-compliance within 96 hours, or a specified lesser period. If the
person fails to comply with such notice, the Utility may immediately
thereafter suspend water service to such person.
20. ALTERNATE WATER SUPPLY PROHIBITED: Connection of any customer's
water system, which is served by the Utility to any other source of water supply is
prohibited. Failure to comply with this regulation shall entitle the Utility to
suspend the service.
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21,
22.
23.
24.
DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS: No connection shall be permitted to any
installation; equipment or source in such a manner as may allow any
contamination to pass from such installation, equipment or source into the
Utility’s water supply system. If any such connection exists the Utility may
discontinue the supply of water to such customer.
PROHIBITED DEVICES: Service may be refused or suspended by the Utility to
any customer who installs or uses any device or appurtenances as, for example,
booster pumps, quick-opening or quick-closing valves, flushometers, water-
operated pumps or siphons, stand pipes, or large outlets for supplying
locomotives or ships, etc., which may occasion sudden large demands of short or
long duration thereby requiring oversize meters and pipelines, or affect the
Stability or regulation of water pressure in the Utility's system. Permission to
install or use any such device or appurtenance must be obtained from the Utility,
which permission shall specify what special arrangements, such as elevated
storage tanks, surge tanks or equalizing tanks, etc., must be provided by the
customer.
IMPROPER USE OR WASTE OF WATER: No customer shall permit the
improper use or waste of water such as providing water to more than one single
family dwelling and/or apartment building from a single service, nor shall he sell
or give water to any person except upon such conditions and for such purposes
as may be approved in writing by the Utility.
SERVICE PIPES: Upon receipt of an application for service to any premises
located on any portion of a street through which portion a main water pipe is laid
and which premises are not already provided with water service, the Utility shall
install a service pipe which it considers to be of suitable size and capacity from
the water main to the street line. No pipe smaller than %” (19mm) in diameter
shall be laid for any service.
The necessary excavation for the laying of the service pipe, backfilling and
replacement of the street and sidewalk surfaced from the water main in the street
shall be the responsibility of the applicant for all water services and all such work
shall be performed without cost to the Utility.
The excavation may be the same excavation as is used for the sewer service
pipe or if minimum horizontal and vertical separation between the water and
sewer pipes cannot be obtained, a separate excavation for the water service pipe
shall be required. In either case, the excavation is to be provided by the
applicant to the satisfaction of the Utility.
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25.
26.
The cost of supplying and laying 3/4 inch water pipe and fittings in the trench
provided between the main pipe and the street line shall be paid by the Utility.
From the street line to the premises, the cost shall be paid by the customer.
For water service pipes larger than 3/4 inch, the whole cost shall be borne by the
customer, less the cost of 3/4 inch service pipe and fittings in the trench provided
from the main to the street lines.
Should any person make application for more than one service pipe to a
premises, the decision as to the necessity of the additional service pipe shall be
made by the Utility, and if the additional service is installed, the total cost thereof
from the main to the customer's premises shall be paid by such applicant.
All services must be installed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of
the Town and to the satisfaction of the Utility.
When a service has been installed without objection from the customer as to the
location of the same, no subsequent removal of or alteration to the position of the
pipe shall be made except at the expense of the customer requesting such
removal or alteration.
REPAIRS TO SERVICES: If a leak or other trouble occurs it shall be repaired as
soon as possible. If the leak or trouble occurs in a service line providing non-fire
protection water supplies between the main and the street line, it shall be
repaired by the Utility at its expense. If the leak or trouble occurs elsewhere na
service line providing non-fire protection water supplies, it shall be repaired by
the customer at their expense.
If the leak or trouble occurs in a service line which provides private fire protection
services (sprinkler or hydrant) it shall be repaired by the customer at his
expense.
The Utility may make such repairs for any customer provided the customer
agrees to pay the cost of same. When required, each customer desiring the
Utility to do such work shall deposit with the Utility a sum equal to the estimated
cost of the work. .
If the leak occurs on the customer's portion of their service pipe and, after being
notified of same, they refuse or unduly delay to have repairs made, the Utility
may discontinue the supply of water to such service pipe if, in its opinion, such
action is necessary in order to prevent wastage of water. The Utility shall notify
the customer affected of its intention to discontinue such supply.
CUSTOMER WORK PERFORMED BY THE UTILITY: Whenever a customer
requests the Utility to do work for which the customer is required to pay and the
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27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Utility agrees to do the work, the customer shall deposit with the Utility, before
the work is started, a sum of money equal to the Utility's estimate of the probable ~
cost of said work. When the actual cost is determined, an adjustment in the
payment shall be made. Installations shall be made in accordance with the
Westville Water Utility specifications and be subject to inspection by the Utility’s
Engineer or Utility’s Employees prior to water service being made available.
UNAUTHORIZED EXTENSIONS, ADDITIONS OR CONNECTIONS: No person
shall without the written consent of the Utility, make or cause to be made any
connections to any pipe or main or any part of the water system or in any way
obtain or use water therefrom in any manner other than as set out in these
Regulations. Any unauthorized connection shall be subject to removal by the
Utility. The cost of the removal including labour and materials and an estimate of
the water used together with a $200 service charge shall be paid by those who
made the unauthorized connection.
SEASON FOR LAYING PIPES: The Utility shall not be required to lay any pipe
at any season of the year or at any time which, in its opinion, is not suitable.
PRIVATE FIRE PROTECTION: Fire protection lines within buildings shall be
installed so that all pipes will be open and readily accessible for inspection at any
time, and no connection for any purpose other than fire protection shall be made
thereto. Unless approved by the Utility in writing, no fire protection line shall be
connected in any way to a metered service.
LIABILITY OF UTILITY: The Utility shall not be deemed to guarantee an
uninterrupted supply or a sufficient or uniform pressure and shall not be liable for
any damage or injury caused or done by reason of the interruption of supply,
variation of pressure, or on account of the turning off or turning on of the water
for any purpose.
INTERFERENCE WITH UTILITY PROPERTY: No person, unless authorized by
the Utility in writing, shall draw water from, open, close, cut, break, or in any way
injure or interfere with any fire hydrant, water main, water pipe, or any property of
the Utility, or obstruct the free access to any hydrant, stop cock, meter, building,
etc., provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph contained shall be
deemed to prevent an officer or member of the Fire Department engaged in the
work of such department from using any hydrant or other source of water supply
designated by the Utility for fire protection purposes.
SUSPENDING SERVICE FOR VIOLATION: Whenever, in the opinion of the
Utility, violation of any of these Rules and Regulations is existing or has
occurred, the Utility may cause the water service to be suspended from the
premises where such violation has occurred or is existing and may keep the
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33.
34.
35.
36.
10
same so suspended until satisfied that the cause for such action has been
removed.
RESUMPTION OF SERVICE: In all cases where water service has been
suspended for violation of any of these rules, service shall not be restored until
the cause for violation has been removed.
SPRINKLER SERVICE MAINS AND HYDRANT SYSTEM: The customer shall
be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining a sprinkler service pipe
from the main in the street to the building. It shall include a proper size control
valve so that the service may be shut off if necessary. If requested by the
applicant, a domestic service pipe may be connected to the sprinkler service
pipe, but only if it is connected outside the building foundation wall and is
provided with an approved shutoff valve located outside the building to permit
control of the domestic service pipe without the necessity to enter the building.
Before any domestic service pipe is connected to a sprinkler service pipe, the
applicant must obtain approval from the appropriate authority and provide the
Utility with a certified copy of such approval. The Utility shall supervise the
installation of same. When the private fire protection system includes private
hydrants, these hydrants must be flushed during the Utility’s regular flushing
periods, under the supervision of the Utility’s personnel. These hydrants shall be
maintained in a manner, or on a regular basis as approved by the Utility. Fire
protection lines within buildings shall be so installed that all pipes will be open
and readily accessible for inspection at any time and no connection other than for
fire protection shall be made thereto.
The location and spacing of hydrants in new construction shall be installed in
accordance with the Westville Water Utility specifications.
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES: Where, in the opinion of the Utility it is
necessary for proper water service, a customer shall install on the service pipe,
between the meter and the shut off valve on the customer's side of the meter, a
pressure reducing valve of a type satisfactory to the Utility. The customer shall
be responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining the pressure reducing
valve at all times.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES: Whenever a pressure reducing valve has been
installed by a customer in accordance with Regulation 35, the customer shall, for
his own safety and protection, install on his hot water boiler and any other hot
water heating device connected to the building’s plumbing system, a pressure
relief valve of an approved type, as well as an approved temperature limiting
device. It shall be the customer's responsibility to maintain and keep in service
the pressure relief valve at all times.
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14
37. EXTENSIONS: Any owner of property situated on any street or highway in which
no water main has been laid (or where the main has been laid, but has not been
extended to the point opposite the owner’s property), may make application to
the Utility requesting permission to have such a. servicing extension carried out.
The Utility would review the application and either give approval in principle for
the extension, or advise the property owner that the extension is not feasible, and
will provide the owner with the reason for refusing permission.
After approval in principle has been granted, the owner may sign a contract with
the Utility requesting that the Utility install the water extension at his expense, or
the owner may have the water line extended by a private contractor approved by
the Utility. Where the latter is done, the extension must be designed and the
construction supervised by a registered professional engineer with the design
being approved by the Utility.
In any event, the cost of the extension shall be paid fully by the owner and
ownership of the water line turned over to the Utility before any water services
are connected to the extended line.
After the water line has been turned over to the Utility, it shall become a part of
the Town water utility and all of these regulations affecting the operation of the
Utility shall apply.
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