Number
250476
Version
Substitute 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Substitute resolution authorizing the Milwaukee Water Works to request a water rate adjustment from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin using the conventional rate case process.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes and directs the proper City officials to apply to the PSC for a water rate adjustment using the conventional rate case process. This resolution further directs MWW to develop rate case supporting documentation and submit it to the PSC.
Body
Whereas, MWW is a self-financing business enterprise of the City of Milwaukee that provides clean, safe drinking water to the City of Milwaukee and sixteen neighboring communities; and
Whereas, MWW must maintain adequate revenue to produce high quality drinking water and properly operate, maintain and repair its extensive water plants and distribution system infrastructure; and
Whereas, as part of the PSC’s authorization to construct a water supply pumping station and pipeline, MWW was instructed to file a conventional rate case no later than 24 months after commencement of service to Waukesha Water Utility, which was in October, 2023; and
Whereas, MWW has engaged Trilogy Consulting, LLC, experts in the field of municipal water utility ratemaking, to assess MWW's existing water rates and fees and prepare supporting documentation for the rate case application; and
Whereas, MWW has received direction from the PSC that to initiate the conventional rate case process, MWW will be required to submit a complete package consisting of the rate application, the revenue requirement, the cost-of-service study, and the proposed rate design; and
Whereas, Preparation of these documents will be a cooperative process with multiple
steps needed to determine the outcome, which is a rate design that assures appropriate revenue for the utility with reasonable cost to ratepayers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the proper City officials are authorized and directed to proceed with the preparation and submittal of the application and supporting documentation to the PSC for a water rate adjustment using the conventional rate case process; and, be it
Further Resolved, That MWW, in coordination with its consultant and PSC staff, develop proposed water rate adjustments, including information on rate design and impact to ratepayers and; be it
Further Resolved, That MWW shall communicate to the Common Council of the City Milwaukee such information on rate design and impact to ratepayers during the rate case process.
Requester
Department of Public Works
Water Works Division
Drafter
Water Works Administration
Patrick W. Pauly
June 30, 2025