AMERICAN STATES WATER CO
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 6, 2024.
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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.
Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 6, 2024
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-06.
0001628280-24-035232
Item 2. : Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-06.
0001628280-24-045760
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 273 previous paragraphs and 273 current paragraphs.
127 unchanged; 116 reworded; 27 added; 18 removed; 12 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 28 previous and 28 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 (27)
Current report
On August 30, 2022, BVES filed a general rate case application with the CPUC to determine new electric rates for the years 2023 through 2026. On November 1, 2024, BVES, Cal Advocates, and the other intervenor in the proceeding filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between the parties resolving all issues in connection with the pending general rate case. Among other things, the settlement agreement, if approved by the CPUC, (i) settles and adopts the revenue requirements for each of the four years 2023 through 2026, (ii) authorizes BVES to invest approximately $52.5 million in capital infrastructure included in base rates over the four-year rate cycle and an additional $23.1 million (plus an allowance for funds used during construction, or “AFUDC”) to be filed for revenue recovery through advice letters when the projects are completed, all of which are dedicated to improving system safety and reliability; (iii) adopts a cost of capital that increases BVES’s adopted return on equity from 9.6% to 10.0%, lowers the cost of debt from 6.6% to 5.51%, and maintains the capital structure of 57% equity and 43% debt, and (iv) approves for recovery the requested capital expenditures and other incremental operating costs already incurred in connection with BVES’s wildfire mitigation plans that are currently not included in customer rates.
Current report
Excluding the additional revenues from the advice letter capital projects discussed above, under the terms of the settlement agreement (i) BVES’s adopted operating revenues less electric supply costs for 2023 are projected to increase by approximately $5.1 million as compared to the 2022 adopted and recorded operating revenues less electric supply costs to cover, among other things, the higher incremental operating costs as settled in the revenue requirement related to BVES’s wildfire mitigation plans that were previously not included in customer rates and not expensed because they were being tracked in memorandum accounts, and (ii) it provides increases in the adopted operating revenues of $2.2 million for each of the years 2024 and 2025, and by $3.3 million in 2026. The rate increases for 2024 - 2026 are not subject to an earnings test. The previously mentioned advice letter projects of $23.1 million plus AFUDC are expected to generate additional annual operating revenues of approximately $3 million when the respective projects are completed, placed in service, and filed for recovery in customer rates.
Current report
ASUS continues to enter into U.S. government-awarded contract modifications and agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the military bases it currently serves. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, ASUS has been awarded approximately $54.0 million in new construction projects, which are expected to be completed during 2024 through 2027. This is a significant increase of new construction projects awarded when compared to $25.2 million awarded for the full year of 2023. Earnings and cash flows from modifications to the original 50-year contracts with the U.S. government and agreements with third-party prime contractors for additional construction projects may or may not continue in future periods.
Current report
Summary of Third Quarter Results by Segment
Current report
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, AWR’s recorded consolidated diluted earnings were $0.95 per share, as compared to $0.85 per share for the same period in 2023, an increase of $0.10 per share, generated from higher earnings at the water utility segment, which contributed an increase of $0.12 per share that included a net favorable variance of $0.06 per share from gains generated on investments held to fund one of the company’s retirement plans during the third quarter of 2024 as compared to losses recorded during the same period in 2023 due to financial market conditions.
Current report
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, recorded diluted earnings from the water utility segment were $0.84 per share, as compared to $0.72 per share for the same period in 2023, an increase of $0.12 per share due, in part, to a net favorable variance of $0.06 per share from gains totaling $2.1 million, or $0.04 per share, generated on investments held to fund one of the company’s retirement plans during the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to losses on investments of $1.0 million, or $0.02 per share, recorded during the same period in 2023 due to financial market conditions. The discussion below presents the other major variances in earnings for the two periods and which resulted in a net overall increase in earnings at the water segment of $0.06 per share for the third quarter of 2024.
Current report
•An increase in water operating revenues of approximately $7.8 million was largely a result of the third-year rate increases approved by the CPUC that went into effect on January 1, 2024, and an overall increase in the authorized rate of return on rate base in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 due to triggering the WCCM, which increased the return on equity from 9.36% to 10.06% effective January 1, 2024.
Current report
Diluted earnings from the electric utility segment decreased $0.02 per share for the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to an increase in interest expense (net of interest income) resulting from an overall increase in interest rates, as well as an increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure program at BVES, and a decrease in interest income earned on regulatory assets.
Current report
On August 30, 2022, BVES filed a general rate case application with the CPUC to determine new electric rates for the years 2023 through 2026, which is still pending finalization. On November 1, 2024, BVES, Cal Advocates, and the other intervenor in the proceeding filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between all parties resolving all issues in connection with the pending general rate case. When a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, new rates are expected to be retroactive to January 1, 2023 and cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time.
Current report
Diluted earnings from the contracted services segment were consistent for the quarter when compared to 2023 with a decrease of $0.01 per share shown in the table above primarily due to the effects of rounding. The contracted services segment is expected to contribute $0.54 to $0.57 per share for the full 2024 year.
Current report
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, diluted losses from AWR (parent) were consistent when compared to the same period in 2023.
Current report
Excluding the impact of both items discussed above from the nine months ended September 30, 2023, adjusted diluted water earnings were $1.85 per share, as compared to adjusted and recorded diluted earnings of $1.99 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an adjusted increase at the water segment of $0.14 per share due, in part, to a net favorable variance of $0.06 per share from gains totaling $5.1 million, or $0.10 per share, generated on investments held to fund one of the Company’s retirement plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to gains on investments of $2.1 million, or $0.04 per share, recorded during the same period in 2023 due to financial market conditions. The discussion below presents the other major variances in earnings for the two periods and which resulted in a net overall increase in earnings at the water segment of $0.08 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Current report
AWR (Parent):
Current report
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, revenues from water operations increased by $7.8 million to $124.0 million as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in water revenues during the third quarter of 2024 is primarily a result of third-year rate increases that went into effect on January 1, 2024, and an increase in the authorized rate of return on rate base in 2024.
Current report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $(0.4) million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $(0.4) million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current report
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, administrative and general expenses at AWR (parent) reflect the reversal of a previous accrual that was favorably resolved.
Current report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $2.4 million and $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $2.4 million and $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current report
The decrease at the electric segment was due primarily to the expiration of surcharges recorded in 2023 related to the impact of a winter storm in 2018. The increase at the contracted services segment was due primarily to commencing operations at the new bases and higher operation-related labor costs, chemicals and water treatment costs.
Current report
Administrative and general expenses increased at the electric segment primarily due to an increase in outside-services costs. This increase was partially offset by the effects of the final decision in the water general rate case proceeding, which included a higher allocation of general corporate office expenses to the electric segment that was retroactive to 2022 but recorded in 2023. Accordingly, 2023 included an adjustment for the higher expenses related to 2022, with no similar adjustment in 2024. The increase in general corporate office expenses allocated to the electric segment also includes a corresponding and offsetting increase in adopted electric revenues, resulting in no impact on earnings.
Current report
Administrative and general expenses at AWR (parent) during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflected the reversal of a previous accrual that was favorably resolved and did not recur in 2024.
Current report
The decrease at the electric segment was due to a decrease in interest income earned on regulatory assets.
Current report
Cost of Capital
Current report
Changes in Rates
Current report
On October 8, 2024, the U.S. EPA announced that it has finalized its Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. The rule will go into effect once it is published in the Federal Register. The rule sets a 10-year requirement for reducing lead in drinking water systems, changes sampling requirements and reduces the lead action level from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. Although no lead service lines have been found yet in GSWC and its customer service lines, the changes in this regulation are expected to increase expenses related to sampling, public education, and lead service line field verification activities. The CPUC has authorized GSWC to track any incremental expenses and carrying costs on capital investments incurred by GSWC as a result of the Lead and Copper Rule revisions in a memorandum account to be filed with the CPUC for future recovery.
Current report
The 2024 California wildfire season has consisted of several large fires across the state. As of the filing of this Form 10-Q, none of the wildfires have had a significant impact on our regulated utilities’ water and electric systems. Furthermore, the recent hurricanes affecting the U.S. East Coast have not had a significant impact on the water and wastewater operations at the military bases served by the Company’s contracted services segment. However, there can be no assurance in the future that these climate-related events will not have a material impact on our operations, infrastructure or services that we provide our customers. See“Item 1. Business - Climate Change Planning, Risks and Opportunities” section of Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC for a discussion of climate change plans, risks and other climate change matters.
Removed paragraphs (18)
Previous report
Among other things, BVES requested (i) capital budgets of approximately $62.0 million for the four-year rate cycle, and another $6.2 million for a large line replacement capital project to be filed for revenue recovery through an advice letter when the project is completed, and (ii) a capital structure for BVES of 61.8% equity and 38.2% debt, a return on equity of 11.25%, an embedded cost of debt of 5.51%, and a return on rate base of 9.05%. Included in the general rate case application is a request for recovery of all capital expenditures and other incremental costs incurred over the last few years in connection with BVES’s wildfire mitigation plans that are currently not included in customer rates. These costs are subject to review by the CPUC during the general rate case proceeding.
Previous report
Summary of Second Quarter Results by Segment
Previous report
The adjustment to 2023’s recorded diluted earnings per share relates to the water segment. The water segment’s adjusted earnings for 2023 exclude the impact from the final CPUC decision issued in June 2023 on the cost of capital proceeding that made all adjustments to rates prospective, and which is shown separately in the table above. As a result of that final decision that made adjustments to rates prospective, GSWC reversed its regulatory liability previously recorded during 2022 and through the end of the first quarter of 2023 for estimated revenues subject to refund at that time.
Previous report
For the three months ended June 30, 2024, AWR’s recorded consolidated diluted earnings were $0.85 per share, as compared to $1.04 per share for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.19 per share, which includes the impact of approximately $0.18 per share resulting from the reversal in June 2023 of previously recorded estimated revenues subject to refund as a result of the final cost of capital decision, which is shown separately in the table above. Excluding this item from the second quarter of 2023, adjusted consolidated diluted earnings were $0.86 per share compared to adjusted and recorded consolidated earnings of $0.85 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2024.
Previous report
For the three months ended June 30, 2024, recorded diluted earnings from the water utility segment were $0.67 per share, as compared to $0.91 per share for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.24 per share. Excluding the revenue impact of $9.3 million, or approximately $0.18 per share, resulting from the reversal of previously recorded estimated revenues subject to refund discussed above, adjusted diluted earnings for the second quarter of 2023 at the water segment were $0.73 per share, as compared to adjusted and recorded diluted earnings of $0.67 per share for the second quarter of 2024, an adjusted decrease at the water segment of approximately $0.06 per share. The discussion below includes the major items that impacted the comparability of the two periods as adjusted.
Previous report
•Excluding the impact from the reversal of revenues subject to refund recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2023 due to the final cost of capital decision as previously discussed, there was a net increase in water operating revenues of approximately $3 million that was largely a result of the third-year rate increases related to the three months ended June 30, 2024. Furthermore, during the three months ended June 30, 2023, there was an increase in revenues as a result of recording regulatory adjustments of approximately $2 million that did not recur during the same period in
Previous report
The increase in water revenues during the second quarter of 2024 represents the difference from the third-year rate increases compared to the second-year rate increases recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2023 as a result of receiving a final decision in the water general rate case.
Previous report
Diluted earnings from the contracted services segment increased $0.07 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, due to an increase in management fee revenue resulting from the resolution of various economic price adjustments and operation of the water and wastewater systems at the new bases, and an increase in construction activity largely resulting from timing differences of when construction work was performed in 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, partially offset by an overall increase in operating expenses. The contracted services segment is expected to contribute $0.50 to $0.54 per share for the full 2024 year.
Previous report
For the three months ended June 30, 2024, revenues from water operations decreased by $6.5 million to $110.4 million as compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in water revenues was largely due to the impact ofthe final cost of capital decision that resulted in the reversal during the second quarter of 2023 of previously recorded revenues subject to refund totaling $9.3 million. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, there was also an increase in revenues as a result of recording regulatory adjustments of approximately $2 million that did not recur during the same period in 2024. The impact to revenues from both of these items that did not recur during the same period in 2024 waspartially offset bythe increase in water revenues during the second quarter of 2024 resulting from the third-year rate increases.
Previous report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $3.4 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $3.4 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous report
** not meaningful
Previous report
The increase in other operation expenses at the water and electric segments was primarily due to higher operation-related labor costs. At the electric segment there was also an increase in outside-services costs.
Previous report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $2.8 million and $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous report
The sum of the water and electric supply-cost balancing accounts are shown on AWR’s Consolidated Statements of Income and totaled $2.8 million and $14.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous report
2024 COC Application
Previous report
Recent Changes in Rates
Previous report
On December 16, 2021, the U.S. EPA announced revisions to the lead and copper rule under an executive order with a compliance date of October 16, 2024. Additionally, the U.S. EPA announced its intention to develop a new proposed rule that will further strengthen the regulatory framework prior to the October 2024 compliance date. The proposed rule was published in November 2023, and the U.S. EPA has received a significant number of comments on the proposed rule. There are still many unknowns regarding the implementation of the rule. Some of the requirements may include timely replacement of customer lead service lines, corrosion control treatment, revised lead action levels and customer communications. The details of the requirements will be better understood once they are published and a final rule is approved.
Reworded paragraphs (116)
Previous wording
Included in the following analysis is a discussion of Registrant’s operations in terms of earnings per share by business segment and AWR (parent), which equals each business segment’s earnings divided by AWR’s weighted average number of diluted Common Shares. The impact of retroactive rates related to the full year 2022 recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2023 resulting from the final decision on the water general rate case approved in June 2023, and the impact from the reversal of revenues subject to refund due to a change in estimates recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 following the receipt of a final cost of capital decision in June 2023 have been excluded in this analysis when communicating AWR’s consolidated and water segment results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 to help facilitate comparisons of Registrant’s performance from period to period.
Current wording
Included in the following analysis is a discussion of Registrant’s operations in terms of earnings per share by business segment and AWR (parent), which equals each business segment’s earnings divided by AWR’s weighted average number of diluted Common Shares. The impact of retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022 recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 resulting from the final decision in the water general rate case approved in June 2023, and the impact from the reversal of revenues subject to refund due to a change in estimates recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 following the receipt of a final cost of capital decision in June 2023 have been excluded in this analysis when communicating AWR’s consolidated and water segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 to help facilitate comparisons of Registrant’s performance from period to period.
Previous wording
AWR uses earnings per share by business segment as an important measure in evaluating its operating results and believes it provides investors with clarity surrounding the performance of its segments. AWR reviews this measurement regularly and compares it to historical periods and to its operating budget. A reconciliation to AWR’s consolidated diluted earnings per share prepared in accordance with GAAP is included in the discussion under the section titled“Summary of Second Quarter Results by Segment”and“Summary of Year-to-Date Results by Segment.”
Current wording
AWR uses earnings per share by business segment as an important measure in evaluating its operating results and believes it provides investors with clarity surrounding the performance of its segments. AWR reviews this measurement regularly and compares it to historical periods and to its operating budget. A reconciliation to AWR’s consolidated diluted earnings per share prepared in accordance with GAAP is included in the discussion under the section titled“Summary of Third Quarter Results by Segment”and“Summary of Year-to-Date Results by Segment.”
Previous wording
GSWC’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned primarily through delivering potable water to homes and businesses in California. BVES’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are primarily earned through delivering electricity in the Big Bear area of San Bernardino County, California. Rates charged to GSWC and BVES customers are authorized by the CPUC. These rates are intended to allow recovery of operating costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. GSWC and BVES plan to continue seeking additional rate increases from the CPUC to recover operating and supply costs, and receive reasonable returns on invested capital. Capital expenditures in future years at GSWC and BVES are expected to remain at substantially higher levels than depreciation expense. When necessary, GSWC and BVES may obtain funds from external sources in the capital markets and through bank borrowings.
Current wording
GSWC’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned primarily through delivering potable water to homes and businesses in California. BVES’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are primarily earned through delivering electricity in the Big Bear area of San Bernardino County, California. Rates charged to GSWC and BVES customers are authorized by the CPUC. These rates are intended to allow recovery of operating costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. GSWC and BVES plan to continue seeking recovery of its operating and supply costs, and receive reasonable returns on invested capital. Capital expenditures in future years at GSWC and BVES are expected to remain at substantially higher levels than depreciation expense. When necessary, GSWC and BVES may obtain funds from external sources in the capital markets and through bank borrowings.
Previous wording
On August 14, 2023, GSWC filed a general rate case application for all its water regions and the general office. This general rate case will determine new water rates for the years 2025 – 2027. On July 12, 2024, GSWC and the Public Advocates Office (“Cal Advocates”) of the CPUC filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between GSWC and Cal Advocates in connection with the water utility general rate case. The CPUC is scheduled to issue a decision in the water general rate case by the end of 2024, with new rates to become effective January 1, 2025.
Current wording
On August 14, 2023, GSWC filed a general rate case application for all its water regions and the general office. This general rate case will determine new water rates for the years 2025 – 2027. On July 12, 2024, GSWC and the Public Advocates Office (“Cal Advocates”) of the CPUC filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between GSWC and Cal Advocates in connection with the water utility general rate case. The CPUC is scheduled to issue a proposed decision in the water general rate case by the end of 2024, with new rates to become effective January 1, 2025.
Previous wording
The proposed settlement agreement, if approved by the CPUC, resolves most of the issues related to the calculation of the 2025 annual revenue requirement in the general rate case application leaving only two unresolved issues. Among other things, the settlement authorizes GSWC to invest approximately $573.1 million in capital infrastructure over the three-year capital cycle. The $573.1 million of infrastructure investment, as settled, includes $17.7 million of advice letter capital investments to be filed for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. In addition, the settlement agreement approves $58.2 million of advice letter capital investments that began construction in 2023 that we expect to file for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. For all of the advice letter projects, GSWC will be allowed to accrue interest during construction at the adopted cost of debt and recover the full rate of return and all applicable components of the revenue requirement after the assets are placed in service up until the assets are placed in customer rates.
Current wording
The proposed settlement agreement, if approved by the CPUC, resolves most of the issues related to the calculation of the 2025 annual revenue requirement in the general rate case application leaving only two unresolved issues. Among other things, the settlement authorizes GSWC to invest approximately $573.1 million in capital infrastructure over the three-year capital cycle. The $573.1 million of infrastructure investment, as proposed in the settlement agreement, includes $17.7 million of advice letter capital investments to be filed for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. In addition, the settlement agreement approves $58.2 million of advice letter capital investments that began construction in 2023 that we expect to file for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. For all of the advice letter projects, GSWC will be allowed to accrue interest during construction at the adopted cost of debt and recover the full rate of return, including all applicable components of the revenue requirement after the assets are placed in service up until the assets are placed in customer rates.
Previous wording
The two remaining unresolved 2025 revenue requirement issues relate to the sales forecast and supply mix. In addition, four items related to GSWC’s request for certain regulatory mechanisms will be litigated and they include (i) a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply, (ii) a sales reconciliation mechanism, (iii) a supply mix adjustment mechanism, and (iv) a request to modify the existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) memorandum account to track carrying costs on capital investments needed to comply with the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels (monitoring and reporting required effective 2027) established by the Environmental Protection Agency. With regards to all of these unresolved issues, GSWC and Cal Advocates filed briefs with the CPUC in July 2024. When the administrative law judge in the proceeding issues a proposed decision, it will address the unresolved issues along with the settlement agreement filed by GSWC and Cal Advocates.
Current wording
The two remaining unresolved 2025 revenue requirement issues relate to the sales forecast and supply mix. In addition, four items related to GSWC’s request for certain regulatory mechanisms will be litigated and they include (i) a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply, (ii) a sales reconciliation mechanism, (iii) a supply mix adjustment mechanism, and (iv) a request to modify the existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) memorandum account to track carrying costs on capital investments needed to comply with the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels (monitoring and reporting required effective 2027) established by the Environmental Protection Agency. With regards to all of these unresolved issues, GSWC and Cal Advocates filed briefs with the CPUC in July 2024. An oral argument has been scheduled with the administrative law judge in December to discuss litigated items. When the administrative law judge in the proceeding issues a proposed decision, it will address the unresolved issues along with the settlement agreement filed by GSWC and Cal Advocates.
Previous wording
As noted above, GSWC is litigating its request for the continued use of a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply. In August 2020, the CPUC had issued a decision that mandated the discontinuation of the existing full revenue decoupling mechanism known as the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (“WRAM”) used by investor owned water utilities since 2008 that, in conjunction with tiered rates, incentivizes water conservation, and also ordered the discontinued use of the Modified Cost Balancing Account (“MCBA”). Under the CPUC’s order, the WRAM and MCBA would be discontinued after 2024. In response to the CPUC’s order, GSWC, three other investor-owned water utilities and the California Water Association each separately filed a petition in 2021 with the California Supreme Court (the “Court”) to review the CPUC’s decision-making processes that resulted in discontinuing the use of the WRAM and MCBA. In September 2022, the governor of California signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 1469, which allowed Class A water utilities, including GSWC, to continue requesting the use of a revenue decoupling mechanism in their next general rate case. On July 8, 2024, the Court issued a ruling that set aside the previously issued order by the CPUC and vacated the portions of the CPUC’s decision related to the discontinued use of the WRAM and MCBA used by water utilities and its accompanying findings and conclusions. However, GSWC’s request to continue using the WRAM and MCBA is still subject to CPUC approval.
Current wording
As noted above, GSWC is litigating its request for the continued use of a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply. In August 2020, the CPUC had issued a decision that mandated the discontinuation of the existing full revenue decoupling mechanism known as the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (“WRAM”) used by investor owned water utilities since 2008 that, in conjunction with tiered rates, incentivizes water conservation, and also ordered the discontinued use of the Modified Cost Balancing Account (“MCBA”). Under the CPUC’s order, the WRAM and MCBA would be discontinued after 2024. In response to the CPUC’s order, GSWC, three other investor-owned water utilities and the California Water Association each separately filed a petition in 2021 with the California Supreme Court (the “Court”) to review the CPUC’s decision-making processes that resulted in discontinuing the use of the WRAM and MCBA.
Previous wording
As noted above, GSWC is litigating its request for the continued use of a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply. In August 2020, the CPUC had issued a decision that mandated the discontinuation of the existing full revenue decoupling mechanism known as the Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism (“WRAM”) used by investor owned water utilities since 2008 that, in conjunction with tiered rates, incentivizes water conservation, and also ordered the discontinued use of the Modified Cost Balancing Account (“MCBA”). Under the CPUC’s order, the WRAM and MCBA would be discontinued after 2024. In response to the CPUC’s order, GSWC, three other investor-owned water utilities and the California Water Association each separately filed a petition in 2021 with the California Supreme Court (the “Court”) to review the CPUC’s decision-making processes that resulted in discontinuing the use of the WRAM and MCBA. In September 2022, the governor of California signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 1469 which allowed Class A water utilities, including GSWC, to continue requesting the use of a revenue decoupling mechanism in their next general rate case. On July 8, 2024, the Court issued a ruling that set aside the previously issued order by the CPUC and vacated the portions of the CPUC’s decision related to the discontinued use of the WRAM and MCBA used by water utilities and its accompanying findings and conclusions. However, GSWC’s request to continue using the WRAM and MCBA is still subject to CPUC approval.
Current wording
In September 2022, the governor of California signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 1469, which allowed Class A water utilities, including GSWC, to continue requesting the use of a revenue decoupling mechanism in their next general rate case. On July 8, 2024, the Court issued a ruling that set aside the previously issued order by the CPUC and vacated the portions of the CPUC’s August 2020 decision related to the discontinued use of the WRAM and MCBA used by water utilities and its accompanying findings and conclusions. However, GSWC’s request to continue using the WRAM and MCBA is still subject to CPUC approval in the pending general rate case proceeding. If the water general rate case is delayed beyond December 31, 2024, GSWC will continue to bill its customers based on the existing adopted 2024 rates until the new 2025 rates are approved. However, GSWC may not be able to recognize under-collections of revenue in 2025 caused by fluctuations in consumption until the CPUC issues a final decision on GSWC’s request for the continuation of the WRAM and MCBA. In lieu of the existing full revenue decoupling mechanism such as the WRAM, the CPUC may authorize a modified rate adjustment mechanism that would allow for partial recognition of any potential under-collections. There can be no assurance as to the timing of the final decision or whether the CPUC will authorize a WRAM, MCBA or alternative modified rate adjustment mechanism.
Previous wording
In June 2023, the CPUC adopted a final decision in GSWC’s general rate case application for all its water regions and its general office that determined new water rates for the years 2022–2024 retroactive to January 1, 2022. The impact of retroactive rates for the full year of 2022 as well as the 2023 estimated second-year rate increases have been reflected in the results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Current wording
In June 2023, the CPUC adopted a final decision in GSWC’s general rate case application for all its water regions and its general office that determined new water rates for the years 2022–2024 retroactive to January 1, 2022. The impact of retroactive rates for the full year of 2022 as well as the 2023 estimated second-year rate increases have been reflected in the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Previous wording
The third-year rate increases for 2024, which were effective January 1, 2024, have been reflected in the six months ended June 30, 2024 results. There was an increase in recorded water operating revenues of $9.5 million largely as a result of the third-year rate increases for 2024 that reflects, among other things, a higher revenue requirement for increases in recorded supply costs of $1.2 million, which combined is an increase of $0.16 per share, and excludes the impact of (i) retroactive rates for the full year of 2022 resulting from the final general rate case decision and (ii) reversing the revenues subject to refund previously recorded in 2022 resulting from the final cost of capital decision, with both decisions received and recorded in 2023. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no net impact on the water segment’s profitability. Due to the delay in finalizing the prior water general rate case, water revenues billed to customers for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the period from January 1, 2023 to July 30, 2023 were based on 2021 adopted rates and new 2023 rate increases went into effect on July 31, 2023. In October 2023, GSWC filed with the CPUC to recover all retroactive rate amounts accumulated in memorandum accounts for the full 2022 year and for 2023 through July 30, 2023. Surcharges were implemented to recover the cumulative retroactive rate differences over 36 months. As of June 30, 2024, there is an aggregate cumulative balance of $46.5 million in CPUC-approved general rate case memorandum accounts that have been recognized as regulatory assets.
Current wording
The third-year rate increases for 2024, which were effective January 1, 2024, have been reflected in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 results. There was an increase in recorded water operating revenues of $17.3 million largely as a result of the third-year rate increases for 2024 that reflects, among other things, a higher revenue requirement for increases in recorded supply costs of $2.5 million, which combined is an increase of $0.29 per share, and excludes the impact of (i) retroactive rates for the full year of 2022 resulting from the final general rate case decision, and (ii) reversing the revenues subject to refund liability previously recorded in 2022 resulting from the final cost of capital decision, with both decisions received and recorded in 2023. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no net impact on the water segment’s profitability. Due to the delay in finalizing the prior water general rate case, water revenues billed to customers for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the period from January 1, 2023 to July 30, 2023 were based on 2021 adopted rates and new 2023 rate increases went into effect on July 31, 2023. In October 2023, surcharges were implemented to recover all retroactive rate differences accumulated in memorandum accounts for the full year of 2022 and for 2023 through July 30, 2023 over 36 months. As of September 30, 2024, there is an aggregate remaining cumulative balance of $41.7 million in CPUC-approved general rate case memorandum accounts that have been recognized as regulatory assets.
Previous wording
December 31, 2024. The WCCM adjusts the return on equity and rate of return on rate base between the three-year cost of capital proceedings only if there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points in the average of the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate as measured over the period October 1 through September 30. If there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points, the return on equity is adjusted by one half of the difference. For the period from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate increased by 139.7 basis points from the benchmark, which triggered a WCCM adjustment and increased GSWC’s 9.36% adopted return on equity to 10.06% effective January 1, 2024.
Current wording
On June 29, 2023, the CPUC adopted a final decision in the cost of capital proceeding that, among other things, allowed for the continuation of the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (“WCCM”) through December 31, 2024. The WCCM adjusts the return on equity and rate of return on rate base between the three-year cost of capital proceedings only if there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points in the average of the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate as measured over the period October 1 through September 30. If there is a positive or negative change of more than 100 basis points, the return on equity is adjusted by one half of the difference. Based on the final decision, all adjustments to rates were effective July 31, 2023. Accordingly, GSWC billed its water customers and recognized revenues for the period from January 1 through July 30, 2023 based on the previously authorized return on equity of 8.9%. After receiving the final cost of capital decision, GSWC filed an advice letter to establish the WCCM and related adjustment for 2023, which increased GSWC’s 8.85% adopted return on equity in the decision to 9.36% effective July 31, 2023. For the period from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, the Moody’s Aa utility bond rate increased by 139.7 basis points from the benchmark, which again triggered a WCCM adjustment and increased GSWC’s 9.36% adopted return on equity to 10.06% effective January 1, 2024.
Previous wording
On August 30, 2022, BVES filed a general rate case application that will determine new electric rates for the years 2023 – 2026. Electric revenues billed to customers for 2023 and through June 30, 2024 were based on 2022 adopted rates and will remain in effect until finalization of the pending general rate case application. On December 15, 2022, the CPUC approved a decision for BVES to establish a general rate case memorandum account that makes the new 2023 rates effective and retroactive to January 1, 2023. When a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time. A proposed decision was issued that extends the statutory deadline of the general rate case to September 30, 2024. Therefore, a decision on the general rate case is scheduled to be issued by the end of the third quarter of 2024. No assurance can be given that a decision will be received at such time.
Current wording
Due to the delay in finalizing the electric general rate case, electric revenues billed to customers for 2023 and through September 30, 2024 have been based on 2022 adopted rates, and will remain in effect until finalization of the pending general rate case proceeding. BVES has been authorized by the CPUC to establish a general rate case memorandum account that will make the new rates retroactive to January 1, 2023 and, therefore, when a final decision is issued by the CPUC, cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time to reflect the full impact of retroactive rates. The CPUC has extended the statutory deadline of this proceeding to January 31, 2025. Therefore, a decision in the electric general rate case is scheduled to be issued by the first quarter of 2025. No assurance can be given that a decision will be received at such time.
Previous wording
ASUS’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned by providing water and/or wastewater services, including operation and maintenance services and construction of facilities for the water and/or wastewater systems at various military installations, pursuant to an initial 50-year, firm-fixed-price contract, additional firm-fixed-price contracts, task order agreements and subcontracts with third party prime contractors on military bases. Currently, ASUS has one subsidiary that has entered into a task order agreement with the U.S. government that has a term of 15 years. The contract prices for each of the contracts and recurring task order agreements are subject to annual economic price adjustments. Additional revenues generated by contract operations are primarily dependent on annual economic price adjustments, and new construction activities under contract modifications with the U.S. government or agreements with other third-party prime contractors. ASUS’s subsidiaries continue to enter into U.S. government-awarded contract modifications and agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the military bases served.
Current wording
ASUS’s revenues, operating income and cash flows are earned by providing water and/or wastewater services, including operation and maintenance services and construction of facilities for the water and/or wastewater systems at various military installations, pursuant to an initial 50-year, firm-fixed-price contract, additional firm-fixed-price contracts, task order agreements and subcontracts with third party prime contractors on military bases. Currently, ASUS has one subsidiary that has entered into a task order agreement with the U.S. government that has a term of 15 years. The contract prices for each of the contracts and recurring task order agreements are subject to annual economic price adjustments. Additional revenues generated by contract operations are primarily dependent on annual economic price adjustments, and new construction activities under contract modifications with the U.S. government or agreements with other third-party prime contractors. ASUS’s subsidiaries expect to continue to enter into U.S. government-awarded contract modifications and agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the military bases served.
Previous wording
The table below sets forth the second quarter diluted earnings per share by business segment and for the parent company:
Current wording
The table below sets forth the third quarter diluted earnings per share by business segment and for the parent company:
Previous wording
•An increase in water supply costs of $0.7 million, which consist of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and changes in the water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs is primarily related to an increase in customer water usage and an increase in overall actual supply costs in 2024. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no net impact on the water segment’s profitability.
Current wording
•An increase in water supply costs of $1.4 million, which consist of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and changes in the water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs is primarily related to an increase in customer water usage, wholesale water prices and water production costs. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no material impact on the water segment’s profitability.
Previous wording
•An overall increase in operating expenses of $2.8 million (excluding supply costs) due primarily to increases in (i) overall labor costs, (ii) administrative and general expenses resulting largely from higher outside-services costs related to the pending general rate case application and other regulatory filings, (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from additions to utility plant, and (iv) property taxes; partially offset by a decrease in maintenance expenses due to timing.
Current wording
•An overall increase in operating expenses of $2.8 million (excluding supply costs) due primarily to increases in (i) overall labor costs and other employee-related benefits, (ii) operation-related costs resulting from higher conservation spending, (iii) administrative and general expenses resulting largely from higher outside-services costs including related to the pending general rate case application and other regulatory filings, and higher insurance-related costs, and (iv) depreciation and amortization expenses as well as property taxes, both of which are impacted by the increasing capital expenditures and are reflected and recovered in customer rates. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in maintenance expenses due to timing.
Previous wording
•An overall increase in interest expenses (net of interest income) of $3.3 million resulting primarily from an increase in interest rates, as well as an overall increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure programs at GSWC, partially offset by higher interest income earned on regulatory assets bearing interest at the current 90-day commercial-paper rate, which increased compared to 2023’s rates, as well as an increase in the level of regulatory assets recorded.
Current wording
•An increase in interest expense (net of interest income) of $1.6 million resulting primarily from an overall increase in interest rates, as well as an increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure program at GSWC, and a decrease in interest income earned on regulatory assets bearing interest at the current 90-day commercial paper rate due to a decrease in the level of regulatory assets recorded.
Previous wording
•Changes in certain flowed-through income taxes, permanent items and other regulatory tax adjustments included in GSWC’s income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 that unfavorably impacted the water segment’s earnings. As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as being flowed-through in computing its income tax expense consistent with the income tax method used in its CPUC-jurisdiction rate making. Changes in the magnitude of flowed-through items either increase or decrease tax expense, thereby affecting diluted earnings per share.
Current wording
•Changes in certain flowed-through income taxes and permanent items included in GSWC’s income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 that favorably impacted the water segment’s earnings. As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as being flowed-through in computing its income tax expense consistent with the income tax method used in its CPUC-jurisdiction rate making. Changes in the magnitude of flowed-through items either increase or decrease tax expense, thereby affecting diluted earnings per share.
Previous wording
•A decrease in earnings of approximately $0.01 per share due to the dilutive effects from the issuance of equity under AWR’s at-the-market (“ATM”) offering program. Under the ATM offering program, AWR may offer and sell its Common Shares, with an aggregate gross offering price of up to $200 million, from time to time at its sole discretion. Through June 30, 2024, AWR has sold 455,648 Common Shares through this ATM offering program.
Current wording
•A decrease in earnings of approximately $0.01 per share due to the dilutive effects from the issuance of equity under AWR’s at-the-market (“ATM”) offering program. Under the ATM offering program, AWR may offer and sell its Common Shares, with an aggregate gross offering price of up to $200 million, from time to time at its sole discretion. Through September 30, 2024, AWR has sold 791,097 Common Shares through this ATM offering program.
Previous wording
All adjustments to 2023’s recorded diluted earnings per share relate to the water segment. The water segment’s adjusted earnings for 2023 exclude both the impact of the final decision on the water general rate case that included retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022, and the impact of reversing previously recorded estimated 2022 revenues subject to refund as a result of the final cost of capital decision issued in June 2023 that made all adjustments to rates prospective. Both adjustments are shown separately in the table above.
Current wording
All adjustments to 2023’s recorded diluted earnings per share relate to the water segment. The water segment’s adjusted earnings for 2023 exclude both the impact of the final decision in the water general rate case that included retroactive rates related to the full year of 2022, and the impact of reversing previously recorded estimated 2022 revenues subject to refund as a result of the final cost of capital decision issued in June 2023 that made all adjustments to rates prospective. Both adjustments are shown separately in the table above.
Previous wording
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, AWR’s recorded consolidated diluted earnings were $1.47 per share, as compared to $1.97 per share recorded for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.50 per share. Included in the results for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were (i) the impact from the final decision in the water general rate case recorded in 2023 that included retroactive new rates related to the full 2022 year of $0.38 per share, and (ii) the impact of the final cost of capital decision that resulted in the reversal of estimated water revenues subject to refund previously recorded in 2022 of $6.4 million, or $0.13 per share. Excluding these items from the first half of 2023, adjusted consolidated diluted earnings were $1.46 per share, compared to adjusted and recorded consolidated earnings of $1.47 per share during the same period in 2024, an adjusted increase of $0.01 per share.
Current wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, AWR’s recorded consolidated diluted earnings were $2.42 per share, as compared to $2.82 per share recorded for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.40 per share. Included in the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were (i) the impact from the final decision in the water general rate case recorded in 2023 that included retroactive new rates related to the full year of 2022 of $0.38 per share, and (ii) the impact of the final cost of capital decision that resulted in the reversal of estimated water revenues subject to refund previously recorded in 2022 of $6.4 million, or $0.13 per share. Excluding these items from the nine months ended September 30, 2023, adjusted consolidated diluted earnings were $2.31 per share, compared to adjusted and recorded consolidated earnings of $2.42 per share during the same period in 2024, an adjusted increase of $0.11 per share, largely generated from the water utility segment.
Previous wording
The following is a computation and reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from the measure of operating income by business segment as disclosed in Note 10 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, to AWR’s consolidated fully diluted earnings per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
Current wording
The following is a computation and reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from the measure of operating income by business segment as disclosed in Note 10 to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, to AWR’s consolidated fully diluted earnings per common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
Previous wording
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, recorded diluted earnings from the water utility segment were $1.15 per share, as compared to $1.65 per share for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.50 per share, which includes (i) the impact from the final decision in the water general rate case recorded in 2023 that included retroactive new rates related to the full 2022 year of $0.38 per share, and (ii) the impact of the final cost of capital decision that resulted in the reversal during the six months ended June 30, 2023 of estimated revenues subject to refund recorded in 2022 of $6.4 million, or $0.13 per share. Excluding the impact of both items from the six months ended June 30, 2023, adjusted diluted earnings were $1.14 per share, as compared to adjusted and recorded diluted earnings of $1.15 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an adjusted increase at the water segment of $0.01 per share due primarily to the following items:
Current wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, recorded diluted earnings from the water utility segment were $1.99 per share, as compared to $2.36 per share for the same period in 2023, a decrease of $0.37 per share, which includes (i) the impact from the final decision in the water general rate case recorded in 2023 that included retroactive new rates related to the full 2022 year of $0.38 per share, and (ii) the impact of the final cost of capital decision that resulted in the reversal during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 of estimated revenues subject to refund recorded in 2022 of $6.4 million, or $0.13 per share.
Previous wording
•Excluding the revenue impact related to 2022 resulting from the decisions in both the general rate case and cost of capital proceedings recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2023 as previously discussed, there was an increase in water operating revenues of approximately $9.5 million largely as a result of the third-year rate increases related to the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in water revenues during 2024 represents the difference from the third-year rate increases compared to the second-year rate increases recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2023 as a result of receiving a final decision in the water general rate case at that time.
Current wording
•Excluding the revenue impact related to 2022 resulting from the decisions in both the general rate case and cost of capital proceedings recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as previously discussed, there was an increase in water operating revenues of approximately $17.3 million as a result of the third-year rate increases that went into effect on January 1, 2024.
Previous wording
•An increase in water supply costs of $1.2 million, which consists of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and changes in the water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs is primarily related to an increase in customer water usage and an increase in overall actual supply costs in 2024. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no net impact on the water segment’s profitability.
Current wording
•An increase in water supply costs of $2.5 million, which consists of purchased water, purchased power for pumping, groundwater production assessments and changes in the water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs is primarily related to an increase in customer water usage, wholesale water prices and water production costs. Actual water supply costs are tracked against adopted costs in the revenue requirement, and passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by way of the CPUC-approved water supply cost balancing accounts. The increase in water supply costs results in a corresponding increase in water operating revenues and has no material impact on the water segment’s profitability.
Previous wording
•An overall increase in operating expenses of $3.7 million (excluding supply costs) mainly due to increases in (i) overall labor costs and other employee-related benefits, (ii) administrative and general expenses resulting largely from higher outside-services costs related to the pending general rate case application and other regulatory filings, and an increase in insurance costs, (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from additions to utility plant, and (iv) property taxes; partially offset by decreases in the timing of other operation and maintenance expenses.
Current wording
•An overall increase in operating expenses of $6.5 million (excluding supply costs) mainly due to increases in (i) overall labor costs and other employee-related benefits, (ii) administrative and general expenses resulting largely from higher outside-services costs including related to the pending general rate case application and other regulatory filings, and an increase in insurance-related costs, and (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses as well as property taxes, both of which are impacted by the increasing capital expenditures and are reflected and recovered in customer rates. These increases were partially offset by decreases in the timing of other operation-related and maintenance expenses.
Previous wording
•An increase in interest expenses (net of interest income) of $1.6 million resulting primarily from an overall increase in interest rates, as well as an overall increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure programs at GSWC, partially offset by higher interest income earned on regulatory assets bearing interest at the current 90-day commercial-paper rate, which increased compared to 2023’s rates, as well as an increase in the level of regulatory assets recorded.
Current wording
•An overall increase in interest expenses (net of interest income) of $4.8 million resulting primarily from an increase in interest rates, as well as an overall increase in total borrowing levels to support, among other things, the capital expenditure programs at GSWC, partially offset by higher interest income earned on regulatory assets bearing interest at the current 90-day commercial paper rate, which increased compared to 2023’s rates, as well as an increase in the level of regulatory assets recorded.
Previous wording
•An overall increase in other income (net of other expense) of $0.5 million due primarily to the change in the non-service cost components related to GSWC’s benefit plans resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions including expected returns on plan assets. However, as a result of GSWC’s two-way pension balancing accounts authorized by the CPUC, changes in total net periodic benefits costs related to the pension plan have no material impact to earnings.
Current wording
•Excluding the impact from the investments held to fund one of the Company’s retirement plans as previously discussed, an overall decrease in other expenses (net of other income) of $0.8 million due primarily to a decrease in the non-service cost components related to GSWC’s benefit plans resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions including expected returns on plan assets. However, as a result of GSWC’s two-way pension balancing accounts authorized by the CPUC, changes in total net periodic benefits costs related to the pension plan have no material impact to earnings.
Previous wording
•A decrease in earnings of approximately $0.01 per share due to the dilutive effects from the issuance of equity under AWR’s ATM offering program. Under the program, AWR may offer and sell its Common Shares, with an aggregate gross offering price of up to $200 million, from time to time at its sole discretion. Through June 30, 2024, AWR has sold 455,648 Common Shares through this ATM offering program.
Current wording
•A decrease in earnings of approximately $0.02 per share due to the dilutive effects from the issuance of equity under AWR’s ATM offering program. Under the program, AWR may offer and sell its Common Shares, with an aggregate gross offering price of up to $200 million, from time to time at its sole discretion. Through September 30, 2024, AWR has sold 791,097 Common Shares through this ATM offering program.
Previous wording
Diluted earnings from the electric utility segment decreased $0.03 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely resulting from not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026, while also experiencing continued increases in overall operating expenses and interest costs. When a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, new rates are expected to be retroactive to January 1, 2023 and cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time.
Current wording
Diluted earnings from the electric utility segment decreased $0.07 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely resulting from not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026, while also experiencing continued increases in overall operating expenses and interest costs. On November 1, 2024, BVES, Cal Advocates, and the other intervenor in the proceeding filed a joint motion to adopt a settlement agreement between all parties resolving all issues in connection with the pending general rate case. If the CPUC approves the settlement agreement, when a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, new rates are expected to be retroactive to January 1, 2023 and cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time.
Previous wording
Diluted earnings from the contracted services segment increased $0.05 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely due to an increase in management fee revenue resulting from the resolution of various economic price adjustments and the commencement of operations at the new bases, partially offset by higher overall operating expenses (excluding construction expenses) and interest costs as compared to the same period of 2023. The contracted services segment is expected to contribute $0.50 to $0.54 per share for the full 2024 year.
Current wording
Diluted earnings from the contracted services segment increased $0.06 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely due to an increase in management fee revenue resulting from the resolution of various economic price adjustments and the commencement of operations at the new bases, partially offset by higher overall operating expenses (excluding construction expenses) and interest costs as compared to the same period of 2023. The contracted services segment is expected to contribute $0.54 to $0.57 per share for the full 2024 year.
Previous wording
For the six months ended June 30, 2024, diluted loss from AWR (parent) increased by $0.02 per share compared to the same period in 2023 due primarily to an increase in interest expense resulting from higher short-term interest rates and higher borrowings made under AWR’s revolving credit facility.
Current wording
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the diluted loss from AWR (parent) increased by $0.01 per share compared to the same period in 2023 due primarily to an increase in interest expense resulting from higher short-term interest rates and higher borrowings made under AWR’s revolving credit facility.
Previous wording
The following discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 provides information on AWR’s consolidated operations and, where necessary, includes specific references to AWR’s individual segments and subsidiaries: GSWC, BVES, and ASUS and its subsidiaries.
Current wording
The following discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 provides information on AWR’s consolidated operations and, where necessary, includes specific references to AWR’s individual segments and subsidiaries: GSWC, BVES, and ASUS and its subsidiaries.
Previous wording
Billed water consumption for the second quarter of 2024 was higher by approximately 3.2% as compared to the same period in 2023 due primarily to lower amounts of seasonal precipitation in thesecond quarter of 2024 as compared tosecond quarter of 2023. Currently, changes in consumption generally do not have a significant impact on recorded revenues due to the CPUC-approved WRAM that is in place in all but one small rate making area. GSWC records the difference between what it bills its water customers and what is authorized by the CPUC in the WRAM accounts as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Current wording
Billed water consumption for the third quarter of 2024 was higher by approximately 8.6% as compared to the same period in 2023 due primarily to the summer heat wave in California and higher overall temperatures in thethird quarter of 2024 as compared to thethird quarter of 2023. Currently, changes in consumption generally do not have a significant impact on recorded revenues due to the CPUC-approved WRAM that is in place in all but one small rate making area. GSWC records the difference between what it bills its water customers and what is authorized by the CPUC in the WRAM accounts as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Previous wording
Electric revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 decreased by $0.1 million to $8.7 million as a result of not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026. Electric usage for thesecond quarter of 2024 was flat compared to the same period in 2023. Due to the CPUC-approved Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism, which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels authorized by the CPUC, changes in usage do not have a significant impact on earnings.
Current wording
Electric revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased by $0.1 million to $9.0 million as a result of higher usage partially offset by not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026. Electric usage for thethird quarter of 2024 was 5.7% higher than the same period in 2023. Due to the CPUC-approved Base Revenue Requirement Adjustment Mechanism, which adjusts certain revenues to adopted levels authorized by the CPUC, changes in usage do not have a significant impact on earnings.
Previous wording
Revenues from contracted services are composed of construction revenues (including renewal and replacements) and management fees for operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater systems at various military bases. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, revenues from contracted services increased by $4.5 million to $36.2 million as compared to $31.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was largely resulting from timing difference of when construction work was performed in 2024 as compared to the same period of 2023, and an increase in management fees from economic price adjustments and transition revenues at the new bases.
Current wording
Revenues from contracted services are composed of construction revenues (including renewal and replacements) and management fees for operating and maintaining water and/or wastewater systems at various military bases. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, revenues from contracted services increased by $2.2 million to $28.7 million as compared to $26.5 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was largely resulting from an increase in management fees from economic price adjustments and revenues at the new bases.
Previous wording
ASUS’s subsidiaries continue to enter into U.S. government-awarded contract modifications, agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the military bases served and task order agreements. Earnings and cash flows from modifications to the initial 15- and 50-year contracts with the U.S. government and agreements with third-party prime contractors for additional construction projects may or may not continue at current levels in future periods.
Current wording
ASUS’s subsidiaries expect to continue to enter into U.S. government-awarded contract modifications, agreements with third-party prime contractors for new construction projects at the military bases served and task order agreements. Earnings and cash flows from modifications to the initial 15- and 50-year contracts with the U.S. government and agreements with third-party prime contractors for additional construction projects may or may not continue at current levels in future periods.
Previous wording
Total supply costs at the regulated utilities comprise the largest segment of total consolidated operating expenses. Supply costs accounted for approximately 31.1% and 32.1% of total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Total supply costs at the regulated utilities comprise the largest portion of total consolidated operating expenses. Supply costs accounted for approximately 35.7% and 36.6% of total operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
Two of the principal factors affecting water supply costs are the amount of water produced and the source of the water. Generally, the variable cost of producing water from wells is less than the cost of water purchased from wholesale suppliers. The overall actual percentages of purchased water for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were approximately 40.5% and 46%, respectively. The decrease in the actual percentage of purchased water resulted primarily from wells coming back on-line that had previously been out of service. This trend is expected to be consistent during the remainder of the year.
Current wording
Two of the principal factors affecting water supply costs are the amount of water produced and the source of the water. Generally, the variable cost of producing water from wells is less than the cost of water purchased from wholesale suppliers. The overall actual percentages of purchased water for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were approximately 43% and 44%, respectively.
Previous wording
Purchased water costs for the second quarter of 2024 decreased to $18.0 million as compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2023 primarily due to a decrease in purchased water resulting from wells coming back online, partially offset by increases in wholesale water costs. The increases in power purchased for pumping and groundwater production assessments are also a result of wells coming back online and an overall increase in well production compared to the same period in 2023, as well as increases in electricity provider rates and increases in pump tax rates.
Current wording
Purchased water costs for the third quarter of 2024 increased to $24.1 million as compared to $23.2 million for the same period in 2023 primarily due to an increase in wholesale water costs, partially offset by a reduction in purchased water due to wells coming back on-line. There was an overall increase in well production costs compared to the same period in 2023 due to an increase in customer water usage, which increases power purchased for pumping and groundwater production assessments. The increases to water production costs were also a result of increases in electricity provider rates and increases in pump tax rates.
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Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Changes in certain flowed-through income taxes and permanent items included in GSWC’s income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 that favorably impacted the water segment’s earnings. As a regulated utility, GSWC treats certain temporary differences as being flowed-through in computing its income tax expense consistent with the income tax method used in its CPUC-jurisdiction rate making. Changes in the magnitude of flowed-through items either increase or decrease tax expense, thereby affecting diluted earnings per share.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Two of the principal factors affecting water supply costs are the amount of water produced and the source of the water. Generally, the variable cost of producing water from wells is less than the cost of water purchased from wholesale suppliers.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Net cash provided by operating activities was $106.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to $53.6 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in operating cash flow was due primarily to the implementation of new
Rearranged previous paragraphs (12)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
GSWC filed its last cost of capital application with the CPUC in May 2021. On June 29, 2023, the CPUC adopted a final decision that, among other things, allowed for the continuation of the Water Cost of Capital Mechanism (“WCCM”) through
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•An overall decrease in other income (net of other expense) of $0.2 million due primarily to a decrease of $0.5 million in gains generated on investments held to fund one of the Company’s retirement plans for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to financial market conditions, partially offset by the change in the non-service cost components related to GSWC’s benefit plans resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions including expected returns on plan assets. However, as a result of GSWC’s two-way pension balancing accounts authorized by the CPUC, changes in total net periodic benefits costs related to the pension plan have no material impact to earnings.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Diluted earnings from the electric utility segment decreased $0.02 per share for the second quarter of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, largely resulting from not having new rates while awaiting the processing of the pending electric general rate case that will set new rates for 2023 – 2026, while also experiencing continued increases in overall operating expenses and interest costs. When a decision is issued in the electric general rate case, new rates are expected to be retroactive to January 1, 2023 and cumulative adjustments will be recorded at that time.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
between adopted and actual purchased water, purchased power and pump tax expenses to the MCBA. GSWC recovers from, or refunds to, customers the amount of such variances. GSWC tracks these variances individually for each water ratemaking area.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The increase in other operation expenses at the contracted services segment was due primarily to commencing operations at the new bases and higher operation-related labor.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Administrative and general expenses increased at the water segment due, in large part, to an increase in outside-services costs largely related to the pending general rate case application and other regulatory filings, and labor costs. In addition, there was an increase of $0.4 million in billed surcharges to recover previously incurred costs that had been tracked in CPUC-authorized memorandum accounts. Increases in revenues from billed surcharges have a corresponding and offsetting increase in administrative and general expenses, resulting in no impact to earnings.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Property and other taxes increased at both regulated utilities due, in part, to an increase in capital additions and related higher assessed values. There was also a favorable property tax adjustment recorded at the water segment in 2023 resulting from changes to property tax assessments of certain counties at that time with no such adjustment occurring in 2024.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Administrative and general expenses increased at the electric segment primarily due to an increase in labor costs and outside-services costs.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Water General Rate Case for the years 2025–2027
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The proposed settlement agreement, if approved by the CPUC, resolves most of the issues related to the calculation of the 2025 annual revenue requirement in the general rate case application leaving only two unresolved issues. Among other things, the settlement authorizes GSWC to invest approximately $573.1 million in capital infrastructure over the three-year capital cycle. The $573.1 million of infrastructure investment, as settled, includes $17.7 million of advice letter capital investments to be filed for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. In addition, the settlement agreement approves $58.2 million of advice letter capital investments that began construction in 2023 that we expect to be file for revenue recovery during the second and third year attrition increases when those projects are completed. For all of the advice letter projects, GSWC will be allowed to accrue interest during construction at the adopted cost of debt and recover the full rate of return and all applicable components of the revenue requirement after the assets are placed in service up until the assets are placed in customer rates.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Excluding revenues for all of the advice letter capital projects discussed above, under the terms of the settlement agreement (i) GSWC’s adopted operating revenues less water supply costs for 2025 are projected to increase by approximately $23 million as compared to the 2024 adopted operating revenues less water supply costs, and (ii) there are potential additional revenue increases of approximately $20 million for each of the years 2026 and 2027 based on inflation factors used at the time of the application filing in August 2023. The increases in 2026 and 2027 are subject to the results of an earnings test and changes to the forecasted inflationary index values. Actual increases for 2026 and 2027 will be determined when the CPUC approves the filings to implement the new rate increases, using inflationary index values applicable at that time.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The two remaining unresolved 2025 revenue requirement issues relate to the sales forecast and supply mix. In addition, four items related to GSWC’s request for certain regulatory mechanisms will be litigated and they include (i) a full sales and revenue decoupling mechanism, and a full cost balancing account for water supply, (ii) a sales reconciliation mechanism, (iii) a supply mix adjustment mechanism, and (iv) a request to modify the existing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) memorandum account to track carrying costs on capital investments needed to comply with the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels (monitoring and reporting required effective 2027) established by the Environmental Protection Agency. With regards to all of these unresolved issues, GSWC and Cal Advocates filed briefs with the CPUC in July 2024. When the administrative law judge in the proceeding issues a proposed decision, it will address the unresolved issues along with the settlement agreement filed by GSWC and Cal Advocates.