TechKim
10 years ago
São Paulo Drought Stirs Debate Ahead of Brazil Election
Date : 10/19/2014 @ 6:41PM
Source : Dow Jones News
São Paulo Drought Stirs Debate Ahead of Brazil Election
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=64092568
By Reed Johnson And Jeffrey T. Lewis
SÃO PAULO--The worst drought in 80 years is causing water shortages for an estimated 13 million people in Brazil's most populous state and threatening businesses in an area that is the engine of the nation's economic growth.
It is also becoming a campaign issue for Sunday's presidential election, as rival political camps dispute who is to blame for a growing water crisis in South America's biggest city.
President Dilma Rousseff took to Twitter to blame her rival's Brazilian Socialist Democracy Party for a lack of investment that has "condemned São Paulo to the biggest water supply crisis in its history."
Last week, a top water official said the main reservoir serving São Paulo could run dry by next month. She quickly reversed herself after the state's governor, a key ally of presidential challenger Aécio Neves, said there was enough water to last until early next year.
That reservoir, known as Cantareira, has plunged to around 4% of capacity, the lowest level ever recorded. Water outages lasting a few hours to several days are now affecting millions of people in the metropolitan area. Images of dry taps, long queues at water trucks and angry citizen protests fill news reports daily.
São Paulo resident Lucy de Oliveira has had no running water at night for the past two weeks at her home on the city's north side. She is purchasing bottled water for cooking, and worries about sanitation.
"People can't clean the sidewalks and the streets, and now there's a bad smell because of the dogs," said Ms. de Oliveira, 40. "I've lived in São Paulo for 25 years and I've never seen this happen before."
The economic toll is rising. Dry weather has damaged coffee and sugarcane harvests around São Paulo state, home to 44 million people. Brush fires have erupted in the mountains north of the city. Depleted canals have forced grain producers to ship their wares by truck instead of barge, driving up costs.
Companies around São Paulo are scrambling for water to keep their operations running in a state accountable for one-third of the nation's GDP.
In Guarulhos, a working-class city northeast of São Paulo, officials have implemented rotating 24-hour water outages for most residents and businesses. Mauricio Colin, owner of Daicast, an auto parts manufacturing plant, says he's now trucking water in to replenish storage tanks that cool his aluminum casting machines.
"If the water stops, the factory stops," he said.
Brazilian meat-packing giant JBS this month suspended operations indefinitely at its plant in Barretos following a request by the local water authority, which has been forced to start rationing water, a utility spokeswoman said. The plant, about 265 miles northwest of São Paulo, will furlough about 1,600 workers, a union official said. JBS declined to comment.
Rationing hasn't officially been imposed on the city of São Paulo's 11 million people. Still, fully half of residents said their home water supply has been interrupted at least once since last June, according to a September survey by the Ibope polling firm. Many complain of de facto rationing, with taps that run dry at night or drops in water pressure that reduce flow to a trickle.
The local water authority, a public-private entity known as Sabesp, which serves 364 municipalities in the state, has denied that it is rationing water, blaming "scheduled repairs or emergency" for outages, according to a statement. The agency recently stopped updating the water levels at Cantareira on its website and has declined to give estimates of how many of its customers have been affected.
Local media outlets have turned to crowdsourcing for information and estimate about 30% of state residents have been affected.
Critics and some homeowners accuse São Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin of refusing to implement emergency measures in an election year for fear of upsetting voters, an allegation that Mr. Alckmin denies. A member of Mr. Neves's Brazilian Socialist Democracy Party, Mr. Alckmin just won another four-year term and is campaigning hard for the presidential challenger who is locked in a tight race with incumbent Dilma Rousseff.
Rodrigo Sanches Garcia, a public prosecutor for São Paulo state, said officials here have known since mid-2011 that the state wasn't receiving sufficient rain, but failed to act swiftly enough to shore up supplies and force conservation.
Officials at times have appeared to issue conflicting statements. Last Wednesday, Dilma Pena, president of Sabesp, testified to a São Paulo city commission that the city had sufficient water supplies to last "until mid-November."
When that declaration made front-page news, Mr. Alckmin quickly weighed in, calling it a "misunderstanding." He assured the public that "there is no timetable for the end of water in São Paulo." He has insisted for months that his administration has taken sufficient steps, including directing Sabesp to reduce water bills for those who conserve while penalizing water hogs.
Ratings company Moody's Investor Service said recently that Brazil's government may resort to energy rationing if rains in the coming months don't replenish the reservoirs feeding hydroelectric power plants that produce most of the nation's electricity.
Area businesses say they are looking for answers, not political score-settling.
"We want to know what the government's plan is," said Rafael Cervone, acting president of the Center for Industry of the State of São Paulo. "If you don't know what's going to happen, people don't invest."
Rogerio Jelmayer contributed to this article.
TechKim
10 years ago
Historic Groundwater Package Approved by the Legislature
http://www.acwa.com/news/groundwater/historic-groundwater-package-approved-legislature
Submitted by Lisa Lien-Mager on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 6:07pm in Groundwater, State Legislation, Water News
A three-bill package aimed at advancing sustainable groundwater management throughout California was approved by the Legislature today and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for signature.
The package of bills would enact the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and provide a framework for the improved management of groundwater supplies by local authorities. The bills also would provide a mechanism for limited state intervention when necessary to protect groundwater resources.
The three bills won approval in the Assembly and Senate Friday. The Assembly acted first, taking up AB 1739 by Assembly Member Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) for concurrence on amendments made in the Senate. It passed on a 45-27 vote.
Next, the Assembly approved the other two bills in the package: SB 1168 by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and SB 1319, also by Pavley. The measures passed on votes of 45-26 and 48-25, respectively. Final vote tallies are subject to change while the Legislature remains in session.
Hours later, the Senate provided the final votes needed to send the package to the governor. On identical votes of 24-10, the Senate voted to concur on Assembly amendments in B 1168 and SB 1319. Again, final vote tallies are subject to change.
Earlier on the Assembly floor, Dickinson urged support for this AB 1739, saying it was crafted over nine months with extensive input from stakeholders.
“This bill is built on local control,” said Dickinson. “It is not the state coming in and telling the locals what to do… It is an opportunity for local entities to decide how to approach and devise a plan to get to groundwater sustainability.”
Noting that many are concerned about the measure’s implications for local communities, Dickinson said lawmakers should consider the consequences of inaction.
“What are the consequences if we fail to act?” Dickinson said. “If not now, then when? If not us, then who?”
Several Assembly members spoke passionately in opposition and called for additional time to address concerns and improve the legislation. They voiced concern that the bill would adversely affect farmers who already have seen their water supplies diminished by drought and are struggling to survive.
ACWA, which supported the package, applauded its passage. The association acknowledged that several ACWA members remained opposed to the bills, and pledged to work with member agencies througout the state to meet the challenge.
“Earlier this year, ACWA’s Board of Directors took a strong position calling for sustainable, locally controlled management of the state’s groundwater basins and a suite of new tools and authorities to help local agencies do the job. We also recognized the need for a limited state backstop role in cases where locals cannot accomplish the goal,” ACWA President John Coleman said. “This legislation is highly consistent with the policies adopted by our Board in March of this year, and ACWA strongly supports it.”
Read ACWA’s complete statement here.
Key Provisions of the Bills
ACWA, its member agencies and other stakeholders have provided extensive input on SB 1168 and AB 1739 since April. The bills are largely based on recommendations by ACWA’s Groundwater Task Force earlier this year as well as recommendations by the California Water Foundation.
Last week, SB 1168 and AB 1739 – which previously were identical – were amended to distribute key provisions of the legislation between the two measures. This week, a third bill – SB 1319 – was added to the package to include language from the Brown Administration to address concerns raised during the legislative process by stakeholders including ACWA and its member agencies.
SB 1168 includes provisions related to establishing groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) and adopting groundwater sustainability plans, while AB 1739 includes complementary provisions related to implementation tools and enforcement authorities at the state and local levels.
SB 1168 would establish that it is the policy of the state that all groundwater basins are managed sustainably for multiple economic, social and environmental benefits and that such management is best achieved locally based on best available science.
It also would establish phased requirements for high and medium priority basins to adopt groundwater sustainability plans, depending on whether a basin is in critical overdraft. It would require adoption of groundwater sustainability plans by Jan. 31, 2020, for all high or medium priority basins in overdraft condition and by Jan. 31, 2022 for all other high and medium priority basins unless legally adjudicated or otherwise managed sustainably.
SB 1168 also includes language regarding basin boundary adjustments, requirements and authorities for establishing groundwater sustainability agencies, and required plan components.
AB 1739 includes provisions related to coordination among local land use and groundwater management agencies, as well as provisions related to technical assistance from the Department of Water Resources, financial and enforcement authorities for groundwater sustainability agencies, and provisions related to the state intervention role.
As noted, SB 1319 now includes language addressing issues such as probationary basins and interim plans.
TechKim
11 years ago
California Water Service Group Schedules First Quarter 2014 Operating Results Announcement and Teleconference
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=61805474&symbol=CWT
California Water (NYSE:CWT)
Today : Thursday 10 April 2014
Click Here for more California Water Charts. California Water Service Group Schedules First Quarter 2014 Operating Results Announcement and Teleconference
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 10, 2014) - California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) today announced that its first quarter 2014 operating results will be released after market-close on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, and its teleconference will be held at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 1, 2014.
All stockholders and interested investors are invited to listen to the teleconference. The 2014 first quarter conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-539-3678 or 1-719-325-2244 and keying in ID# 8667775. A replay of the call will be available from 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014, at 1-888-203-1112 or 1-719-457-0820, ID# 8667775. The call, which will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki, and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Thomas F. Smegal, will also be webcast under the investor relations tab at www.calwatergroup.com.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to more than 2 million people in 100 California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii communities. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT."
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598
Contact:
Shannon Dean
(310) 257-1435
TechKim
11 years ago
Much needed rain, snow to hit parched California
Meteorologists say a pair of storms could dump several inches of rain on parched cities and croplands throughout California in the coming week.
Updated: 2/23/2014.
This Jan. 17, 2014, file photo, Leon Stout, of Orland, walks across a dry Black Butte Lake near Orland Buttes Recreation Area in Chico, Calif. Meteorologists forecast a pair of storms that could dump several inches of rain on parched cities and croplands throughout California in the coming week, bringing welcome news to a state that has just endured its driest year in recorded history. (AP Photo/Chico Enterprise-Record, Jason Halley, File)
SAN FRANCISCO — Meteorologists forecast a pair of storms could dump several inches of rain on parched cities and croplands throughout California in the coming week, bringing welcome news to a state that has just endured its driest year in recorded history.
While the rain won't be enough to end the drought, the National Weather Service projected Sunday the much-needed precipitation could nearly double the amount of rainfall in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area this year.
By next Saturday, the twin Pacific storms are expected to bring as much as 2 inches of rain to the coast and several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada.
The first storm on Wednesday won't offer much relief, just light overnight rains heading into Thursday. By Friday, radar images show the second storm should drench the entire state for 24 hours.
"We're not calling it a drought-buster, but it definitely will make a difference," said Jim Bagnall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, one of many San Joaquin Valley towns where farmers have fallowed crops in anticipation of record low water supplies. "With these few storms, we could see about an inch total in the valley. So this could obviously have some significant impact."
The wet weather is badly needed: Since July 1, only 5.85 inches of rain have fallen in San Francisco, or about 35 percent of normal for this time of year. Just 1.2 inches have fallen in downtown Los Angeles, compared to 10.45 inches in a normal year.
By the end of next weekend, several feet of snow could blanket the Sierra, reaching as low as about 4,500 feet, Bagnall said.
Looking further into the future, meteorologists say computer models show another sign of hope: greater chances that this year could see El Nino conditions and accompanying rainfall.
The San Jose Mercury News reports (http://bit.ly/1fmbIyT) researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in November there was a 36 percent chance of El Nino conditions developing by August 2014. NOAA recently updated that probability to 49 percent.
"There's been an uptick recently. More models favor El Niño," said Jon Gottschalck, acting chief of operational prediction at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center in College Park, Md. "We certainly don't want to promise anything, but conditions are looking better."
Scientists are quick to say that El Nino conditions don't guarantee that California will receive heavy rainfall. But if the pattern is strong and temperatures are warm in the Pacific Ocean, the likelihood of heavy rainfall increases.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
TechKim
11 years ago
California Water Service Company to Help Needy Through Annual Operation Gobble Program
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=60173283&symbol=CWT
California Water (NYSE:CWT)
California Water Service Company to Help Needy Through Annual Operation Gobble Program
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 26, 2013) - For the 25th consecutive year, California Water Service Company (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT), will donate Thanksgiving meals to thousands of needy families across California through a program called "Operation Gobble."
Since its inception in 1988, the state-wide program has fed hundreds of thousands of needy people. Local legislators participate in the program by recommending charities in their districts that can help with distribution.
This year, Cal Water will be distributing 8,500 gift certificates for the purchase of turkey or turkey products to more than 100 local charities in its service areas.
"We consider it a privilege to be able to provide meals to families who would otherwise go without. We are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve, and this is one tangible way of doing that," said President and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki.
According to Kropelnicki, Cal Water opts to provide gift certificates rather than frozen turkeys to provide flexibility to the charities and families that participate in the program. Gift certificates also eliminate the need for delivery trucks for heavy frozen birds, which is better for the environment.
Operation Gobble was initiated by the California Water Association (CWA), a consortium of privately-owned water utility companies throughout the state. Cal Water is a member of CWA and is the largest privately owned water utility in California. Additional information about the company may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Contact:
Shannon Dean
(310) 257-1435
TechKim
11 years ago
California Water Service Group Announces Results for the 3rd Quarter of 2013
Date : 11/05/2013 @ 5:50PM
California Water (NYSE:CWT)
Intraday Stock Chart
Today : Wednesday 6 November 2013
Click Here for more California Water Charts.
California Water Service Group Announces Results for the 3rd Quarter of 2013
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 5, 2013) - California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) today announced net income of $29.2 million and earnings per share of $0.61 for the third quarter of 2013, compared to net income of $29.8 million and earnings per share of $0.71 for the third quarter of 2012. The year-to-year decrease in earnings per share was primarily attributable to the dilutive effect of the stock offering completed in March 2013.
During the third quarter of 2013, State of California enterprise zone tax credits for the periods 2008 to 2013 and current year equipment repairs and maintenance state income tax deductions contributed $4.1 million to net income. During the third quarter of 2012, mains repairs and maintenance state income tax deductions contributed $6.2 million to net income.
Revenue for the third quarter of 2013 was $184.4 million, compared to revenue of $178.1 million in third quarter of 2012. The increase in revenue was due primarily to an increase in water usage of $4.0 million, net of WRAM, which includes a $1.1 million increase in accrued unbilled revenue. Rate increases added $3.5 million in revenue and the effect of other regulatory mechanisms decreased revenue by $1.2 million.
Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2013 increased by $6.8 million, or 4.8%, to $148.6 million. Water production costs increased by $4.1 million, or 6.2%, to $70.6 million, primarily due to wholesale water rate increases and increased sales to existing customers. Administrative costs increased $0.7 million, or 3.1%, to $24.7 million, due primarily to increases in labor and health care expenses; these increases were partially offset by a reduction in conservation program expenses. Other operations expenses remained unchanged at $17.7 million.
Maintenance expense increased $0.2 million, or 4.5%, to $4.6 million, due to an increase in main and service repair. Depreciation expense increased $0.8 million, or 5.7%, to $4.6 million due to 2012 capital additions.
Other income and expenses, net of income taxes, decreased $0.1 million primarily due to a decrease in unrealized gains associated with the Company's non-qualified retirement plans. Interest expense decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.1%, to $7.1 million.
According to President and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki, core results for the third quarter are in line with expectations and reflect the Company's budget discipline.
"We have remained diligent in our efforts to operate within budget, which is particularly critical given the fact that we are in the third year of our three-year rate case cycle in California. I am also pleased with our progress to reach a settlement agreement with parties to our 2012 General Rate Case that will enable us to recover costs, make critical infrastructure investment, and address affordability issues, assuming it is approved by the California Public Utilities Commission as proposed," he said.
Cal Water Files Settlement Agreement on 2012 General Rate Case
On October 31, 2013, the Company announced that its largest subsidiary, California Water Service Company (Cal Water), had reached a settlement agreement with the California Public Utilities Commission's Office of Ratepayer Advocates and other parties to its 2012 General Rate Case. The Commission may or may not approve the settlement agreement; it is expected to issue a final decision in early 2014. If the settlement agreement were adopted as proposed, it would add $45 million in total revenues in 2014 and an estimated $10 million in 2015 and 2016. Cal Water would be authorized to invest $447 million in infrastructure improvements over three years in order to provide safe, reliable water service to customers throughout the state. It would also be allowed to increase the discount for qualified low-income customers and the Rate Support Fund discount for customers residing in higher cost service areas. For additional information, visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
Other Information
All stockholders and interested investors are invited to listen to the 2013 third quarter conference call on 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, which can be accessed by dialing 1-888-503-8169 or 1-719-325-2315 and keying in ID# 9201217. A replay of the call will be available from 2:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, through January 6, 2014, at 1-888-203-1112 or 1-719-457-0820, ID# 9201217. The call, which will be hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. Kropelnicki, and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Thomas F. Smegal, will also be webcast under the investor relations tab at www.calwatergroup.com.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to nearly 2 million people in California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii. California Water Service Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT." Additional information is available on our website at www.calwatergroup.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Act"). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for "safe harbor" treatment established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management's judgment about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. Such words as would, expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to: governmental and regulatory commissions' decisions; changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief; new legislation; electric power interruptions; increases in suppliers' prices and the availability of supplies including water and power; fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies; the ability to successfully implement business plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather on water sales and operating results; access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in war or other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph, as well as the annual 10-K, Quarterly 10-Q, and other reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking statements.
Use link for financials
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=59893616&symbol=CWT
TechKim
11 years ago
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED IN CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY’S GENERAL RATE CASE (news release 10/30/2013)
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1035201/000110465913079359/a13-23227_1ex99d1.htm
SAN JOSE, CA — California Water Service Company (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT), announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the California Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Ratepayer Advocates (ORA) and other parties to its 2012 General Rate Case. The Commission may or may not adopt the settlement agreement as proposed by the parties.
If the settlement agreement is approved as proposed, Cal Water would be authorized to invest $447 million in districts throughout California over the three-year period (2013 - 2015) in order to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its customers. Included in the $447 million in water system infrastructure improvements is $126 million that would be recovered through the Commission’s advice letter procedure upon completion of qualified projects. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company would be authorized to increase gross revenue by approximately $45 million in 2014, $10 million in 2015, $10 million in 2016, and up to $19 million upon completion and approval of the company’s advice letter projects.
Addressing affordability, the settlement agreement provides for an increase in the discount provided to qualified low-income customers as part of its Low Income Rate Assistance program throughout Cal Water’s service areas in California, and an increase in the Rate Support Fund assistance to customers who reside in high-cost service areas.
Another provision of the settlement is the establishment of a health care balancing account that will track changes in employee health care costs and provide for the sharing of these cost changes between customers and shareholders during the rate case cycle. The parties believe the health care balancing account provides protection to the company and its customers due to the uncertainties arising from continuing changes in medical costs and insurance nationally, while providing an incentive to actively manage these costs downward.
The Commission is expected to issue a final decision on the case in early 2014. Additional information about the settlement agreement may be found on the Commission’s web site at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to nearly 2 million people in California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii. California Water Service Group’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CWT.” Additional information is available on our website at www.calwatergroup.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Act”). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for “safe harbor” treatment established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management’s judgment about the Company, the water utility industry
and general economic conditions. Such words as would, expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include, but are not limited to: governmental and regulatory commissions’ decisions; changes in regulatory commissions’ policies and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions’ actions concerning rate relief; new legislation; electric power interruptions; increases in suppliers’ prices and the availability of supplies including water and power; fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies; the ability to successfully implement business plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather on water sales and operating results; access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in war or other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph, as well as the annual 10-K, Quarterly 10-Q, and other reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking statements.
NEWS RELEASE
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598
Contact:
Tom Smegal (408) 367-8200 (analysts)
Shannon Dean (310) 257-1435 (media)
October 30, 2013
TechKim
11 years ago
CWS Utility Services (CWSUS), a subsidiary of the California Water Service Group, provides non-regulated contract utility services throughout California. Its affiliation with the third largest water utility company in the United States gives CWSUS the financial resources and professional expertise to help other water providers, including municipalities and privately owned utility companies, provide their customers with reliable water supplies that meet increasingly stringent federal and state water quality standards. CWSUS provides a range of services, including meter reading, billing, customer service, water quality testing, and full water system operations. CWSUS also conducts related non-regulated business, including sales of surplus, non-utility properties.
CWS Utility Services has selected Home Emergency Insurance Solutions (HEIS) to offer optional extended service programs to Cal Water residential customers. These services include emergency insurance coverage for customer-owned exterior water service lines, sewer/septic lines, internal plumbing and drainage, interior electric wiring, water heater, and cooling systems. More information about these programs is available on the HEIS information page.
TechKim
11 years ago
Hawaii Water Service Company (Hawaii Water) was formed in 2003 with the acquisition of Ka'anapali Water Corporation. Hawaii Water's Ka'anapali District serves 700 customers on Maui, including several large resorts and condominium complexes.
In 2008, Hawaii Water acquired the Pukalani Sewerage Treatment Works, a wastewater system serving 800 customers in Pukalani, located approximately 30 miles from the Ka'anapali District on Maui. And in 2008, Hawaii Water purchased the Waikoloa Water Company, Waikoloa Sanitary Sewer Company, and Waikoloa Resort Utilities, which provide water and wastewater services to homes, condominiums, hotels, golf courses, and shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort and in Waikoloa Village, both on the Big Island of Hawaii. Also, in December 2008, Hawaii Water formed Kona Water Service Company on the Big Island to provide water and wastewater services to residences and businesses on the Kukio Resort.
Today, Hawaii Water serves 4,200 regulated accounts on Maui and Hawaii, many of which are large users.
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