PSC approves Madison Water rate adjustments, denies extension of 'Madcap' pilot and authorizes $3.5M cash adder

The Public Service Commission approved Madison Water Utility's rate adjustments in docket 3280 WR 117 after a series of contested and uncontested decisions that shaped the final order.

Commission chair Strand summarized the case history and staff reviews, saying the utility had requested a 15.94% overall revenue increase that was reduced by the PSC staff audit to 9.89% before commissioners finalized the revenue requirement. The Commission's deliberations addressed several contested issues, including whether to authorize continuing the Madcap customer‑assistance pilot, the level of a temporary cash adder to support the utility's capital plan, and whether to reapply order conditions tied to expense‑depreciation accounting.

On the most contested item, the Commission declined to authorize an extension of Madcap. Chair Strand said the record lacked evidence that the pilot had delivered the system‑wide…