August 18, 2008
Pools of Water (part 2 or 3?)
But how much premium will VCU pay?
Thanks,
Scott
Begin forwarded message:
From: DPU – Communications
Date: August 18, 2008 3:27:19 PM EDT
To: DPU – Communications
Subject: News release: New water rates underscore conservation effort
New Rate Underscores Conservation Message
RICHMOND, VA—In an effort to encourage water customers to conserve water when supply is scarce, the City of Richmond instituted a water conservation rate, effective July 1, 2008. During designated periods of either voluntary or mandatory conservation, customers who make the decision to use more than 140 percent of their normal winter water usage (water consumed during December, January, and February) will pay a higher commodity rate on their excess usage.
“Rates are set to drive customer behavior,” said Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Public Utilities Director Chris Beschler. “The behavior that we want to promote is to protect one of our most precious natural resources so that we all are doing our part to help the environment. This water conservation rate provides a financial incentive for water customers to do just that,”
Under this water conservation rate, DPU water customers will pay a 50 percent premium on water used over and above 140 percent of their normal winter water usage during voluntary conservation measures, and a 100 percent premium during mandatory water conservation measures.
The following is an example of what an average customer would pay using more than the normal l winter water usage during voluntary or mandatory water conservation measures:
For an average water customer whose winter monthly consumption = 8 Ccf
Conservation charge threshold (8 Ccf X 140%) = 11 Ccf
Actual monthly consumption during conservation period = 20 Ccf
Consumption subject to conservation rate (20 Ccf – 11 Ccf) = 9 Ccf
Voluntary conservation measures were implemented August 11, 2008 in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties when water levels in the James River dropped below the 1,200 cfs trigger level. For more information on conservation measures during either voluntary or mandatory water conservation periods, visit DPU’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/DPU; click on “Water Utility;” and then click on “Water Utility Page” in the drop down menu, or contact DPU’s Customer Care Center at 644-3000.
Contact: Angela Fountain, DPU Communications, 646-7323
Hard copy attached
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
Communications Division
730 E. Broad Street, 6th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
(O) 804.646.5224, (Fax) 804.646.4858
Email: DPUC@richmondgov.com
[...] will be the premium for VCU and other corporate entities? Certainly its not just Oregon Hill that has a stake in making sure that everyone pays their fair share. Remember, the City of [...]
How would this affect you if you just bought washing machine (which I have), so my usage could go up even if I am not using water to wash my car or water my lawn. Is there a review process for disputes?
[...] As a result of steadily decreasing water levels in the James River, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director Chris Beschler announced effective today the implementation of mandatory water conservation measures for all City of Richmond water customers. This follows the recent announcement of new rates intended to encourage conservation. [...]
So they’re not rewarding people for using less, they’re charging them for using more than usual. Our family of four uses 3CCF per month – guess we better not leave the hose on by accident.
I’d just like to pay less than a hundred bucks a month for my city utilities during the summertime (with the aforementioned 3ccfs). Our electric bill was only $114 last month, and that was during a heat wave with the AC on all the time, after Va Power raised their rates.
[...] which is what I was initially lead to believe and I do appreciate their willingness to answer questions. Now, how does this compare to average annual residential charge of $45? And what is VCU doing to [...]