PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WEST VIRGINIA
CHARLESTON
CASE NO. 20-0598-PWD-CN (REOPENED)
TOMLINSON PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT a public utility, Chester, Hancock County,
Application for a certificate of convenience and necessity to construct certain additions and improvements to its existing waterworks system.
NOTICE OF FILING
On September 24, 2021, Tomlinson Public Service District (District) filed with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (Commission) a petition to reopen this case in which the Commission granted a Certificate to construct certain additions and improvements to the District’s existing waterworks system in Hancock County. The District requested Commission approval of an increase in project funding, including increased rates.
By Order dated October 5, 2021, the Commission granted the petition to reopen.
Pursuant to W. Va. Code sec. 24-2-11, the District must give notice of the reopening of this case, by publishing a copy of this Notice of Filing once in a qualified newspaper, in accordance with W. Va. Code sec. 59-3-1, et seq., published and of general circulation in counties where service is provided, making return to the Commission of proper certification of publication within thirty (30) days from the date of publication.
The District proposes to construct the following additions and improvements to its waterworks system consisting of (i) installing approximately 16,374 linear feet of 10-inch, 37,213 linear feet of 8-inch, 9,464 linear feet of 6-inch, and 1,860 linear feet of 2-inch water line; (ii) constructing a 700 gallon-per-minute duplex booster station and a new 250,000 gallon tank; (iii) installing telemetry; (iv) replacing an existing 4-inch/6-inch PRV station; (v) refurbishing two booster stations; (vi) relocating a master meter and adding and replacing numerous water meters and valves; and (vii) all appurtenances relating thereto.
The application is on file with and available for public inspection at the Public Service Commission, 201 Brooks Street, Charleston, West Virginia, and online.
The original total cost of the approved project was $8,121,000. Based on project bids that were higher than the original estimates, the District now estimates that the project will cost approximately $11,350,000. The District proposes to fund the project with a $10,335,000 loan from the West Virginia Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund (DWTRF) for a term of 40 years at 1.00% with a 0.25% administrative fee. The District also secured a $500,000 DWTRF design loan for the project for 30 years at 0.75% interest; and a $50,000 West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (WVIJDC) grant, a $165,000 WVIJDC bid overrun grant and a $300,000 DWTRF debt forgiveness loan.
The previously approved Staff rates and charges for its customers:
SCHEDULE I
($) INCREASE (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,400 gallons) $14.41 44%
Commercial (6,300 gallons) $22.58 41%
Public Authorities (22,500 gallons) $40.69
22%
SCHEDULE II
($) INCREASE (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,000 gallons) $5.52 15%
SCHEDULE III
($) INCREASE (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,600 gallons) $19.52 66%
Commercial (48,500 gallons) $114.95
37%
Industrial (74,900 gallons) $168.54 36%
These new rates requested represent the following project-related increases to become effective upon substantial completion of the project:
SCHEDULE I
($) INCREASE Additional (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,400 gallons) $1.06 2.26%
Commercial (6,300 gallons) $1.78 2.27%
Public Authorities (22,500 gallons) $5.14
2.29%
SCHEDULE II
($) INCREASE Additional (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,000 gallons) $0.96 2.26%
SCHEDULE III
($) INCREASE Additional (%) INCREASE
Residential (3,600 gallons) $1.11 2.26%
Commercial (48,500 gallons) $9.82 2.29%
Public Authorities (74,900 gallons) $14.58
2.29%
The increases shown are based on averages of all customers in the indicated class. Individual customers may receive increases that are greater or less than average. Furthermore, the requested rates and charges among the various classes of customers are only a proposal and are subject to change (increases or decreases) by the Public Service Commission in its review of this filing.
Anyone desiring to protest should file a written protest as soon as possible, but no later than ten (10) days after the date of publication of this Notice. All written protests should briefly state the reason for the protest. Absent substantial protest the Commission may decide the case on the filings. All protests should clearly state the case name and number and be addressed to
Connie Graley, Executive Secretary,
Public Service Commission
of West Virginia,
P.O. Box 812,
Charleston, West Virginia 25323.
In the absence of substantial protest received within ten days of this publication, the Commission may waive formal hearing and grant the application based on the Commission review of the evidence submitted with the application and the analysis Staff submitted.
TOMLINSON PUBLIC
SERVICE DISTRICT
WDT Oct 11, 2021