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AWWA ACE65296
- Utility Affordability from Four Perspectives: Why the Disconnects?
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/01/2007
- Publisher: AWWA
$12.00$24.00
This powerpoint presentation outlines information on utility affordability. It begins by defining affordability as the ability of ratepayers topay for essential uses ofwater without having toforego other important goodsand services. The presentation discusses the premise thatdiffering perspectives on affordability result infrustration,confusion,inefficiency, and sometimes even significant hardship. It states that all of the above could be minimized with moreunderstanding of the perspectives of otherstakeholders. The different perspectives include:customers unable to pay without assistance;customers able to pay;utility management and staff; and,elected officials.The implications of differing perspectives are presented in terms of: different goals andpriorities;differentresponsibilities;different"constituencies"; and,differentconsequences.Opportunities for improvement were found for better communication, improved revenue collection, assistance programs for those in need, and improved customer service.