In utility planning, few things are more complicated and more important than how costs are shared. In Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, the Kline’s Island Sewer System (KISS) is undergoing a critical transformation and investment to optimize cost-sharing agreements for the future.
Vice President Joe Crea is talking affordability, explaining some of the factors contributing to rising utility costs and why prioritizing affordable access is essential for successful rate planning. Hear how Raftelis partners with utilities, like Louisville Water and Raleigh Water, to develop innovative solutions and comprehensive affordability roadmaps.
Raftelis Principal Consultant Sam Villegas delves into the essential elements for local governments and utilities to cultivate and maintain community trust. Learn how transparent communication, meaningful community engagement, and consistent follow-through are pivotal in overcoming challenges like environmental incidents and complex infrastructure issues.
Raftelis Vice President Stacey Aukamp breaks down how automation and integration are helping local governments and utilities modernize their operations by eliminating duplicate processes, reducing errors, and freeing up staff to focus on more strategic work. Hear how Kingsport, TN is shifting from outdated systems to intuitive self-service portals, streamlined billing, and integrated data access, making the experience better for staff and residents.
As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more integrated into everyday workflows, government agencies are exploring ways to harness their potential to streamline communications, enhance public engagement, and improve service delivery. However, with these advantages come critical considerations, and the ethical use of AI-generated content is not just a technical or operational issue—it’s a matter of public responsibility.
We’re breaking down what organizational assessment actually means and why effective process improvement is about more than just flowcharts and checklists.
In today’s utility world, where regulations evolve rapidly, public expectations grow, and workforce challenges persist, having a clear direction is no longer a luxury, it’s essential. The answer for the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) in South Carolina wasn’t another infrastructure investment. It was something more foundational: their first-ever strategic plan.
As rate consultants, it’s a question we are often asked—"Why does it cost more for water or wastewater service here than it does at other (seemingly) similar utilities in the area?” The question usually arises when we provide a utility bill comparison for a typical residential customer during a presentation to utility managers, elected officials, or a governing board.
Local governments often succeed when the people they serve are meaningfully engaged in the decision-making process. Whether it is to plant trees (or remove them), raise rates, change a policy, or add a new service—whatever it is—the best outcomes happen when the governed have a say in the governing.
