Waukesha utility board votes to file for water rate increase under PSC docket 6240-WR-111

The Waukesha City Water Utility Commission voted June 19 to submit an application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting a conventional increase in water rates under PSC Docket 6240-WR-111.

Courtney, a utility staff member, told the commission the filing requests a short extension of the PSC-required filing deadline — asking to move the filing to October 1 rather than the original August 15 date — to allow staff more time to compile annual PSC report data and close gaps caused by vacancies and training in the finance office.

Why this matters: The filing will prompt the PSC to review a year-and-a-half of actual Great Water Alliance costs, newly completed amortizations and updated projections tied to the project’s change of source from Oak Creek to Milwaukee. Courtney said those factors produce better actual-cost inputs for the PSC’s rate-setting process and that the utility is estimating a roughly 13% increase to the water portion of bills. The utility added that, when combined with return-flow and sewer charges, the projected change to a typical customer’s total bill would be about 6.6%.

Staff and residents described the technical drivers. Courtney said the PSC required amortization of prior Oak Creek-related study costs and that actual Great Water Alliance expenses are now available to replace earlier estimates. Dan, the utility general manager, summarized the financing and long-term planning: the water-supply pipeline will be financed roughly over a 38-year repayment schedule while being designed for a 100-year service life; by contrast, return-flow infrastructure is expected to be repaired as needed rather than duplicated.

Members of the public asked for clarity on customer impacts. Chris Wilson, a lifelong Waukesha resident and property owner, asked why an additional rate step was being proposed. Kurt Bauer, a resident and local realtor, said clearer public communication would help the city and local realtors explain changes to prospective residents.

Courtney and Dan explained timing and PSC review: the PSC typically takes 12–18 months to process a conventional rate case, and the utility expects PSC staff will use the new year-and-a-half of actual operating costs (for purchased water, chemicals, power, and amortizations) to set final rates.

The motion — described by the commission as “move to submit an application to request an increase to water rates per Public Service Commission order in Docket 6240-WR-111” — was made by Commissioner Rivera and seconded by Commissioner Curry. The commission voted in favor; the meeting record shows the motion passed on an oral “Aye” vote.

What’s next: Filing the application triggers the PSC’s formal review. The utility staff said it will proceed with the application and return to the commission as the PSC process unfolds.