Raftelis works with you to develop pricing objectives that deliver the rate structure that best meets your strategic and operational goals. These objectives range from promoting water conservation to addressing affordability concerns to promoting economic development and more.
We have developed thousands of customized rate structures and fees to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients and their stakeholders. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and we use our experience to help you determine the optimal rate structure for your agency.
Utility rates and municipal fees are set based on revenue requirements and the number of accounts from which these costs must be recovered. We have a proven, data-driven method of forecasting costs and customer data to inform the rate-setting process. We work with you to execute this within a comprehensive, reliable, and flexible financial plan. Our financial plans forecast system operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, capital needs, and customer use, and monitor your overall financial performance.
Developing utility rates and municipal fees requires sophisticated models to project your organization’s revenue requirements and customer data, allocate costs appropriately, and allow for the evaluation of multiple rate structure alternatives. We develop customized, non-proprietary financial models that are user-friendly and flexible so you can use them for future financial planning and rate setting.
Your rate or fee structure must be approved by your governing body, so we don’t just design a sound rate, we bring you communication and outreach experts to help you build understanding and support for new rates and fees. We help you “show not tell” and demonstrate the true value of the services and the comprehensive analysis behind our recommended rates, to ensure broad stakeholder buy-in and adoption.
We provide a variety of related rate, charge, and fee consulting services, including:
Water and sewer utilities are capital intensive enterprises. To serve customers across sprawling service areas and rugged terrain, they must construct, install, and maintain a vast amount of, often buried, infrastructure. As they re-invest in their systems, or as service areas continue to expand, the utility faces the burden of funding the resulting infrastructure needs.
The introduction of electric vehicles introduces substantial increases in electrical loads and introduces variability in load profiles. The diversity of EV chargers further compounds these load increases and fluctuations. Consequently, managing the impact of EV charging on the grid becomes paramount. Electric utilities must strategically evaluate infrastructure enhancements, load management tactics, and rate structures to effectively accommodate these evolving demands.
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County – Metro Water Services has contracted with Raftelis for four five-year financial and rate consulting engagements in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2017.
