MIDDLESEX WATER CO
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 1, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 1, 2025
MSEX$59.87+0.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-10-31.
0001174947-24-001201
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-01.
0001174947-25-000677
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 78 previous paragraphs and 67 current paragraphs.
36 unchanged; 22 reworded; 9 added; 18 removed; 2 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 8 previous and 8 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (9)
Current report
Tidewater Acquisition of the Water Utility Assets of the Town of Ocean View, Delaware - In April 2025, Tidewater completed the acquisition of the water utility assets of the Town of Ocean View, Delaware (Ocean View) for approximately $4.6 million. Ocean View serves approximately 900 customers in Sussex County, Delaware, who have been receiving water supply from Tidewater since the system was constructed in 2008.
Current report
Middlesex Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC)- In April 2025, Middlesex filed a third DSIC rate application with the New jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) that is expected to result in $1.9 million of annual revenues starting June 2025, in addition to the existing $1.1 million of annual revenues from the first and second DSIC filings.
Current report
● Invest in our utility infrastructure to build system resiliency and meet compliance requirements;
Current report
● Timely and adequate recovery of infrastructure investments and other costs to maintain and continually improve service quality;
Current report
● Selective acquisitions of investor and municipally-owned water and wastewater utilities; and
Current report
● Operation of municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems on a contract basis which meet our risk profile.
Current report
Operations and Maintenance Expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $0.6 million from the same period in 2024 due to increased variable production costs from higher customer demand, increased weather-driven main break activity and the one-time recovery in 2024 of previous water treatment operating costs at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant in connection with Middlesex’s 2023 rate case order, partially offset by higher capitalizable costs.
Current report
Other Income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $3.6 million from the same period in 2024 due to lower actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit and the one-time recovery in 2024 of carrying costs on PFAS treatment upgrades at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant in connection with the Middlesex’s 2023 rate case order.
Current report
Tidewater also has two active construction projects funded by prior year Delaware SRF loans totaling $8.3 million with remaining availability of funds for borrowing. These loans are for the construction of a one million gallon elevated storage tank and construction, relocation, improvement, and interconnection of transmission mains. Tidewater has drawn a total of $4.9 million through March 31, 2025 and expects that the requisitions will continue through the fourth quarter of 2025.
Removed paragraphs (18)
Previous report
Middlesex Base Rate Increase Approval - In February 2024, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved the negotiated settlement which is expected to increase annual operating revenues by $15.4 million effective March 1, 2024. The approved tariff rates were designed to recover increased operating costs as well as a return on invested capital of $563.1 million, based on an authorized return on common equity of 9.6%. Middlesex has made capital infrastructure investments to ensure prudent upgrade and replacement of its utility assets to support continued regulatory compliance, resilience and overall quality of service.
Previous report
Middlesex Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC)- In October 2024, Middlesex filed a second DSIC rate application that is expected to result in $1.1 million of annual revenues. A DSIC is a rate-mechanism that allows water utilities to recover investments in, and generate a return on, qualifying capital improvements made between general rate case proceedings.
Previous report
Tidewater Lead Service Line Inventory Costs Recovery - In September 2024, the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved Tidewater’s petition to recover up to $2.1 million of costs associated with Tidewater’s obligation to identify and inventory lead service lines throughout Tidewater’s service area, as required by federal law and Delaware regulations. Through September 30, 2024, Tidewater has spent $1.7 million, which is included in Regulatory Assets and will be recovered through a surcharge mechanism.
Previous report
Operations and Maintenance Expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $2.8 million from the same period in 2023 due to increased legal, financial and regulatory matter costs, an enhanced water treatment process at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant, increased labor costs due to annual wage increases and higher energy and chemical costs due to increased water demand.
Previous report
Other Income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $0.5 million from the same period in 2023 due primarily to higher actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit. Lower Allowance for Funds Used During Construction resulting from a lower level of capital projects in progress partially offset these increases. The conclusion of Middlesex’s 2023 base rate increase request allowed Middlesex to recover costs, including carrying costs, from the proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement. See Note 2 for additional details.
Previous report
Results of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Previous report
Operating Revenues
Previous report
Operations and Maintenance Expense
Previous report
Operations and Maintenance Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $3.6 million from the same period in 2023 due to increased legal, financial and regulatory matter costs, an enhanced water treatment process at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant, increased labor costs due to annual wage increases and higher energy costs due to increased water demand.
Previous report
Depreciation
Previous report
Depreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $0.5 million from the same period in 2023 due to the recovery of prior year depreciation related to upgrades at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant partially offset by additional utility plant in service. The conclusion of Middlesex’s 2023 base rate increase request allowed Middlesex to recover costs, including depreciation, from the proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement. See Note 2 for additional details.
Previous report
Other Taxes
Previous report
Other Taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $2.3 million from the same period in 2023 primarily due to higher gross receipts taxes on higher revenues in Middlesex and higher payroll related taxes on increased labor costs.
Previous report
Other Income, net
Previous report
Other Income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $4.7 million from the same period in 2023 due primarily to the recovery of carrying costs on the PFAS treatment upgrades at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant and higher actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit. Lower Allowance for Funds Used During Construction resulting from a lower level of capital projects in progress partially offset these increases. The conclusion of Middlesex’s 2023 base rate increase request allowed Middlesex to recover costs, including carrying costs, from the proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement. See Note 2 for additional details.
Previous report
Interest Charges
Previous report
Interest Charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $1.4 million from the same period in 2023 due to higher average debt outstanding and an increase in average borrowing rates.
Reworded paragraphs (22)
Previous wording
Certain statements contained in this periodic report and in the documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws. They include, but are not limited to statements as to:
Current wording
Certain statements contained in this periodic report and in the documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “strategy,” or “anticipates,” or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws. They include, but are not limited to statements as to:
Previous wording
Our principal New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to approximately 60,000 retail customers, primarily in central New Jersey. The Middlesex System also provides water sales under contract to municipalities in central New Jersey with a total population of over 0.2 million. Our other New Jersey subsidiaries, Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands) provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2,500 customers in Southampton Township, New Jersey.
Current wording
Our principal New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to approximately 61,000 retail customers, primarily in central New Jersey. The Middlesex System also provides water sales under contract to municipalities in central New Jersey with a total population of over 0.2 million. Our other New Jersey subsidiaries, Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands) provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2,500 customers in Southampton Township, New Jersey.
Previous wording
Our Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC, provide water services to approximately 61,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 4,300 households in Kent and Sussex Counties through various operations and maintenance contracts.
Current wording
Our Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC, provide water services to approximately 62,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 4,300 households in Kent and Sussex Counties through various operations and maintenance contracts.
Previous wording
Middlesex Purchase Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC)- In October 2024, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval to set a PWAC tariff rate to recover additional costs of $0.6 million for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated water utility regulated by the NJBPU.
Current wording
Middlesex Purchase Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC) - In February 2025, the NJBPU approved Middlesex’s petition to reset its PWAC tariff rate to recover additional annual costs of $0.5 million, primarily for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated water utility regulated by the NJBPU. A PWAC is a rate mechanism that allows for the recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings. The PWAC is reset to zero once those increased costs are included in base rates. The new PWAC rate was effective March 1, 2025.
Previous wording
**Capital Construction Program -**The Company’s multi-year capital construction program encompasses numerous projects designed to upgrade and replace utility infrastructure as well as enhance the integrity and reliability of assets to maintain and improve service for the current and future generations of water and wastewater customers. The 2024 projects include, but are not limited to:
Current wording
Capital Construction Program** -**The Company’s multi-year capital construction program encompasses numerous projects designed to upgrade and replace utility infrastructure as well as enhance the integrity and reliability of assets to maintain and improve service for the current and future generations of water and wastewater customers. The Company plans to invest approximately $93 million in 2025 in connection with this plan for projects that include, but are not limited to:
Previous wording
Our ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost management and customer growth. These factors are discussed in the Results of Operations section below. Unfavorable weather patterns may occur at any time, which can result in lower customer demand for water.
Current wording
Our ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost management and customer growth. Weather patterns which can result in lower customer demand for water may occur at any time. As operating costs are anticipated to increase in 2025 in a variety of categories, we continue to implement plans to further streamline operations and further reduce and mitigate increases in operating costs. Changes in customer water usage habits, as well as increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, are significant factors in determining the timing and extent of rate increase requests.
Previous wording
We continue to make investments in system infrastructure and our operating costs continue to increase in 2024 in a variety of categories. These factors, among others, required a base rate increase request filing for Tidewater in the third quarter of 2024 and will likely require a base rate increase request filing for Middlesex in 2025.
Current wording
Our investments in system infrastructure continue to grow significantly and our operating costs are anticipated to increase in 2025 and 2026 in a variety of categories. These factors, among others, may require a base rate increase request by Middlesex in mid-2025.
Previous wording
Overall, organic residential customer growth continues in our Tidewater system (approximately 4% in 2023). However, current and evolving economic market conditions may challenge that growth.
Current wording
Overall, organic residential customer growth continues in our Tidewater system (approximately 3.5% in 2024). However, current and evolving economic market conditions may challenge that growth.
Previous wording
Our strategy for profitable growth is focused on the following key areas:
Current wording
Our strategy for selective and sustainable growth is focused on the following key areas:
Previous wording
The segments in the tables included below consist of the following companies: Regulated-Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands and Southern Shores; Non-Regulated-USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.
Current wording
The segments in the tables included below are comprised of the following companies: Regulated-Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands and Southern Shores; Non-Regulated-USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.
Previous wording
Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $8.4 million from the same period in 2023 due to the following factors:
Current wording
Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $3.8 million from the same period in 2024 due to the following factors:
Previous wording
Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $0.1 million from the same period in 2023 due to less average utility plant in service during the quarter. The conclusion of Middlesex’s 2023 base rate increase request allowed proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement to reimburse Middlesex for previously incurred costs for the construction of the Park Avenue Plant PFAS treatment upgrades. See Note 2 for additional details.
Current wording
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $1.1 million from the same period in 2024 due to higher average utility plant in service during the quarter and the one-time recovery in 2024 of previous depreciation costs related to the PFAS treatment upgrades at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant in connection with Middlesex’s 2023 rate case order.
Previous wording
Other Taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $1.0 million from the same period in 2023 primarily due to higher gross receipts taxes on higher revenues in our Middlesex System and higher payroll related taxes on increased labor costs.
Current wording
Other Taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $0.3 million from the same period in 2024 primarily due to higher gross receipts taxes on higher revenue in our Middlesex system.
Previous wording
Interest Charges for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $0.1 million from the same period in 2023 due to lower average debt outstanding.
Current wording
Interest Charges for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $0.6 million from the same period in 2024 due to lower average debt outstanding and lower average interest rates.
Previous wording
Income Taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $1.0 million from the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher pre-tax income and lower income tax benefits associated with decreased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex System offset by the recovery of income taxes on the taxable portion of the proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement recognized in the current period. See Note 2 for additional details.
Current wording
Income Taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased by $0.1 million from the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower pre-tax income and higher income tax benefits associated with increased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex System offset by the 2024 recovery of income taxes on the taxable portion of the proceeds from a litigation agreement. The conclusion of Middlesex’s 2023 base rate increase request allowed Middlesex to recover costs, including income taxes, from the proceeds from a litigation agreement related to the PFAS treatment upgrades at Middlesex’s Park Avenue Plant.
Previous wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows from operating activities decreased $2.7 million to $37.3 million. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from accrued recovered costs from Middlesex’s 3M Settlement, increases in customer receivables and unbilled revenues and higher interest payments partially offset by the impact of Middlesex’s approved base rate increase effective March 1, 2024.
Current wording
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash flows from operating activities increased $7.1 million to $13.8 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from the impact of Middlesex’s approved base rate increase effective March 1, 2024 and timing of vendor payments.
Previous wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows used in investing activities decreased $23.6 million to $49.5 million due to decreased utility plant expenditures in 2024.
Current wording
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash flows used in investing activities increased $4.5 million to $18.9 million due to increased utility plant expenditures in 2024.
Previous wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows from financing activities decreased $16.1 million to $16.1 million. The decrease in cash flows provided by financing activities is due to lower proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (Investment Plan) and long-term debt offset by proceeds received from a litigation settlement.
Current wording
For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash flows from financing activities decreased $4.6 million to $3.6 million. The decrease in cash flows provided by financing activities is due to lower borrowings under the Company’s lines of credit.
Previous wording
To fund our capital program, we use internally generated funds, short-term and long-term debt borrowings, proceeds from sales of common stock under the Investment Plan and proceeds from sales offerings to the public of our common stock. In addition, in July 2024, we received net proceeds of $63.6 million from the 3M Settlement Agreement, which were used to pay down our lines of credit outstanding balance to further support the funding of our capital program.
Current wording
To fund our capital program, we use internally generated funds, short-term and long-term debt borrowings, proceeds from sales of common stock under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan and, when market conditions are favorable, proceeds from sales to the public of our common stock. To the extent possible and fiscally prudent, the Company finances qualifying capital projects under State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs in New Jersey and Delaware. These government programs provide financing at interest rates typically below rates available in the broader financial markets.
Previous wording
Middlesex has received approval from the NJBPU to borrow up to $300.0 million from the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, private placement and other financial institutions as needed through December 31, 2025. The Company expects to issue debt securities in a series of one or more transaction offerings over a multi-year period to help fund Middlesex’s multi-year capital construction program.
Current wording
Middlesex has received approval from the NJBPU to borrow up to $300.0 million from the New Jersey SRF Program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, private placement and other financial institutions as needed through December 31, 2025. The Company expects to issue debt securities in a series of one or more transaction offerings over a multi-year period to help fund Middlesex’s multi-year capital construction program.
Previous wording
In September 2024, Tidewater closed on a $2.2 million Delaware SRF loan with a 0.0% interest rate. This loan is for costs associated with Tidewater’s obligation, as required by federal law and Delaware regulations, to identify and inventory lead service lines throughout Tidewater’s service area. Tidewater expects to draw down on this loan in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Current wording
In September 2024, Tidewater closed on a $2.2 million Delaware SRF loan with a 0.0% interest rate with maturity dates in 2044. This loan is for costs associated with Tidewater’s obligation, as required by federal law and Delaware regulations, to identify and inventory lead service lines throughout Tidewater’s service area. Tidewater has drawn down $1.7 million as of March 31, 2025 and expects that the requisitions will continue through the fourth quarter of 2025.
Previous wording
In May 2024, Tidewater closed on four DEPSC-approved Delaware SRF loans totaling $5.6 million, all at interest rates of 2.0% with expected maturity dates in 2044. These loans are for the construction, relocation, improvement, and/or interconnection of transmission mains and construction of a water treatment facility. Each project has its own construction timetable with the last spending set to occur in 2026.
Current wording
In May 2024, Tidewater closed on four Delaware SRF loans totaling $5.6 million, all at interest rates of 2.0% with maturity dates in 2044. These loans are for the construction, relocation, improvement, and/or interconnection of transmission mains and construction of a water treatment facility. Tidewater has drawn down less than $0.1 million on these loans as of March 31, 2025. Each project has its own construction timetable with the last spending set to occur in 2027.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Operating Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $17.1 million from the same period in 2023 due to the following factors:
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Income Taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $5.3 million from the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher pre-tax income and lower income tax benefits associated with decreased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex System offset by the recovery of income taxes on the taxable portion of the proceeds from the 3M Settlement Agreement recognized in the current period. See Note 2 for additional details.