Notice of Utility Tariff Filing
The REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA (Commission) gives notice that the Municipality of Anchorage d/b/a Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU), on behalf of Anchorage Water Utility (AWU), filed tariff revision TA158-122, proposing to incorporate the 2016 Pressure Reducing Valve Rebate Program in its tariff. AWWU is currently in the process of consolidating and simplifying water pressure zones in AWU’s service area, as was recommended in their 2012 Water Master Plan. As part of this process, AWWU is proposing to offer rebates for the installation of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) in specific subdivisions within the AWU service area. Detailed project area maps can be found at http://awwupzm.com.
AWWU is proposing to require that customers have the PRV installed by August 31, 2016, unless AWWU extends the program to a later date in order to increase participation. Additionally, AWWU proposes that customers must submit a copy of the rebate form within 90 days of the completed installation of the PRV. AWWU states that rebate forms were mailed to affected customers in February 2016. If you believe you are in one of the affected service areas and did not receive a form, AWWU requests that you contact info@awwupzm.com.
AWWU states that, as a result of proposed pressure zone modifications, certain customers will see an increase in water pressure, exceeding 80 psi. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) recognizes that buildings with water pressure exceeding 80 psi should have PRVs or other pressure reducing equipment installed due to the fact that water pressure above 80 psi, over time, may cause plumbing and water fixtures to deteriorate quicker than normal.
AWWU has determined and identified 736 qualified properties in Eagle River and Anchorage that would be affected by the increased water pressure and benefit from the installation of PRVs to prevent damage. AWWU proposes a maximum rebate of $850 for Anchorage customers and $700 for Eagle River customers. The Anchorage-area rebate includes reimbursement for a Municipal Building Safety Permit Inspection Fee of $150 which is not applicable to Eagle River residents. AWWU states that it has hosted two public open houses in the impacted areas in addition to contacting affected customers by mail in February of 2016.
This notice does not contain every pertinent revision or request associated with the filing. The Commission may approve a rate or classification, which varies from those proposed. You may obtain more information about this filing by contacting Karen Bell, Regulatory Affairs Manager, AWWU at 3000 Arctic Boulevard, Anchorage, AK 99503-3898; phone: (907) 786-5504. The complete filing is also available for inspection at the Commission's office, at 701 West Eighth Avenue, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501; phone: (907) 276-6222 or may be viewed at the Commission’s website at http://rca.alaska.gov by typing “TA158-122” in the Find a Matter search box.
To comment on this filing, please file your comments by 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2016, at the Commission address given above or via our website at:
https://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/WhatsNew/PublicNoticesComments.aspx
Please reference TA158-122 and include a statement that you have filed a copy of the comments with AWWU at its address given above or by email at info@awwu.biz. Individuals or groups of people with disabilities, who require special accommodations, auxiliary aids or service, or alternative communication formats, please contact Joyce McGowan at (907) 276-6222, toll-free at 1-800-390-2782, or TTY (907) 276-4533 or send a request via electronic mail to rca.mail@alaska.gov by June 16, 2016.
DATED at Anchorage, Alaska, this 27th day of May, 2016.
REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA
Rich Gazaway
Advisory Section Manager