AWWA JAW61321

Many utilities face difficulties in raising rates toaccommodate the costs associated with infrastructurerenewal, enhanced security precautions, and othernecessities. Contributing to this issue is a general underappreciation of the value a utility provides to its community.At the core of this problem is the value ofwater. This value, the commodity itself and the serviceprovided, must be communicated to customers andfactored into utility decisions. But in order to do so, wemust first understand the term. This article clearlydefines what value means in quantitative and qualitativeterms, factoring in ethical and moral considerations,as well, and provides information on how largesome estimated values are. In the context of publicdisucssion and decision making, values must reflectwhat is important to appointed and elected officials,customers, stakeholders, and the public. This articleoffers managers suggestions for how to tap valueswhen making decisions and seeking customer and/orpolitical support. Includes reference.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 97 - No. 4

Published:

04/01/2005

Number of Pages:

9

File Size:

1 file , 290 KB