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Current Blog Posts
Consumer Considerations for On-Bill Finance Programs
On-bill financing is receiving a lot of attention as an innovative strategy to improve energy efficiency make people’s homes more comfortable. One of the major advantages of on-bill financing is that it can be offered to…
The Triple Bottom Line in Local Government Community Economic Development
A central tenet of community economic development is the belief that in fostering a healthy economy, we are working towards building healthy, vibrant communities. But many would contend that a healthy economy is only one…
The Virtuous Cycle: Internal Energy Revolving Funds for Small Water Systems
How can small (and large) water systems pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy, helping cut energy costs? As energy is often the largest variable expense in a water system’s operating budget, this is a…
Key Financial Benchmarks for Water Systems: Conservation Signal
At our workshops and through our discussions with water systems during technical assistance work, many water systems, in particular small systems, ask what seems like a simple question: “Are our rates right?” I suspect our initial answer…
Who is Supplying Water in Puerto Rico?
About 96% of the population in Puerto Rico receives water from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA). But the other 4% of the population is supplied by about 240 very small water systems….
The Challenge of Extending Water Service to the Underserved
Much of the dialogue around the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs focuses on the enormous estimates associated with repairing and rehabilitating existing systems. But for some families, the challenge hits much closer to home….
A Win-Win-Win: Regulation, Use, and Pricing of Reclaimed Water in Arizona
By Cole Wilhelmi and David Tucker Ongoing severe drought conditions in the American Southwest offer the powerful reminder that our water resources should not be taken for granted. With increasing environmental pressure comes greater demand…
CAPped: Five Examples of Customer Assistance Programs for Water Utilities
Water pricing is a delicate art, as utilities often must balance competing priorities when setting rates. How can the utility set rates that ensure financial sustainability for the system while also balancing affordability concerns for…