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Utilities
Considering rate increases for utilities, such as water, electric, and sewer services, becomes necessary when facing challenges like low cash flow or imminent large capital projects. Implementing gradual rate adjustments can prevent customer shock and facilitate easier budgeting, making it essential for utilities to evaluate their financial health and plan accordingly.
By now you probably know there’s a looming deadline to submit your Lead & Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) materials inventory to the WDNR by October 16, 2024. And you probably have most of the data … somewhere. But have you stopped to think about your approach to this tall order?
Municipalities are constantly balancing growing to-do lists with tight budgets and limited options for project funding. Learn how a long-range capital improvement plan (CIP) can help your community prioritize projects and build a foundation for your annual budget, eliminating the stress of selecting and funding projects ad-hoc.
Since the state of Wisconsin passed legislation that changed the standards for phosphorus in surface waters, wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) have been preparing for increasingly stringent effluent requirements for total phosphorus (TP). Phosphorus filtration can help your municipality significantly reduce its TP effluent concentration and comply with the updated TP effluent requirements. Learn about the various types of phosphorus filters available, how they work, and what the advantages and disadvantages are for each system, so you can make the right choice for your WWTF.
All applications for FFY 2023-2026 BIL funding through the STP, Local Bridge, and/or CMAQ Improvement Programs are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022. Learn what your municipality needs to know to take advantage of the $1.3 billion in federal funding now available for WI transportation projects.
Wisconsin municipalities have been forced to navigate restrictive limits on property tax increases for years, and because levy limit changes do not account for inflation, these levies will remain flat as inflation continues to grow. Learn how your municipality can use creative funding options to offset this financial burden and pay for the infrastructure improvements and services your community needs.
President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law on November 15, 2021. This $1.2 trillion bill includes $550 billion in new spending over the next eight years, roughly doubling the impact of status-quo infrastructure funding levels. Learn how this new funding will impact your next municipal infrastructure project.
There’s an uptick in the number of municipalities, solar developers, and utility companies evaluating green space for the potential installation of ground-mounted solar energy projects. This growing interest is not surprising, as the community benefits of solar energy are far reaching. For municipalities, going solar can create opportunities for cost savings and community development, but how exactly does a municipality afford to “go solar?”
The U.S Treasury released final guidance on how municipalities can use American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Learn which additional infrastructure projects are eligible for ARPA funding under the final rule.
The US Treasury distributed the first allotment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in June of this year, however, many Wisconsin municipalities are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to allocating their payment. However, ARPA Legislation states that municipal relief funds must be allocated by December 2024, and early planning is paramount to getting your projects off the ground on time. Here are answers to the questions we’ve heard most often surrounding ARPA to help keep your planning process moving forward.
Variable frequency drive (VFDs) can greatly improve efficiencies when used in pumping stations and aeration systems in wastewater treatment facilities.
Learn how the City of Columbus uses VFDs to significantly decrease power demands and reduce energy costs at their WWTF.
Renewable energy initiatives and opportunities are growing throughout the Midwest. Various types of organizations, both private and municipal, are evaluating open agricultural lands, under-utilized brownfields, closed landfills, and other open space for the potential installation of ground-mounted solar generation and battery storage projects. However, these initiatives like other projects, often come up against funding hiccups.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released updated guidance on the use of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Interim Final Rule offers an expanded interpretation regarding the types of sewer, water, and broadband infrastructure projects that qualify for funding. Find out if your next infrastructure project is eligible for Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.
If your utility is planning capital projects or seeing an increase in operation and maintenance expenses, you may need to file a rate case with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). This process can be slow and labor intensive, which is why we’ve come up with a list of best practices to keep things running smoothly and help you avoid common missteps that lead to long rate case delays.
The American Rescue Plan Act will provide historic, direct federal payments to all 19,000 municipal governments in the United States. For some municipalities, this relief will offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for community betterment. To help you consider your options and get a head start on necessary preparation, our experts developed a list of 25 water and sewer related infrastructure improvement projects that may be eligible for ARPA relief funding.
The deadline to comply with America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) is rapidly approaching. Utilities serving 3,301 to 49,999 individuals must submit a RRA certification of completion to the EPA by June 30th, 2021. Learn what tools are available to protect your utility and remain compliant with the EPA.
An increasing number of Wisconsin municipalities are considering a new source of funding for their transportation systems: transportation utilities. Our experts put together this list of FAQ’s to help you better understand the buzz surrounding this new utility and decide if it’s the right fit for your community.
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates water utilities, and before a utility can raise its rates, it must file for a rate increase with the PSC. This process can be slow and labor intensive, so we’re sharing 8 best practices to make your life a little easier.
The final stretch of the year is a busy time for municipal utilities, and while we hate to add to your long to-do list, there’s one thing you don’t want to ignore: preparing your Public Service Commission (PSC) Annual Report.
As sanitary sewer main ages, the potential for groundwater infiltration from tree roots, failing joints, and other forces greatly increases. Replacing aging sanitary sewer main ultimately allows utilities to avoid the cost creep from infiltration year after year, but the upfront expense for a main replacement is often significant. How can your utility determine the best financial strategy for mitigating infiltration?
