The CPUC has issued the final ruling regarding California Water Service Company's request for an increase in rates for the next three years. Thanks to Leona Valley's contributions of volunteers and money, the Settlement committee successfully negotiated the elimination of almost $3 million in projects that Cal Water had requested.

We were able to limit the rate increase to less than half of what was originally proposed. Here are the figures for the rate increases for the next three years.

Here is a summary of the significant parts of the settlement.

1. The additional generator proposed for Leona Valley at a cost of $100,000 has been deferred until 2014.

2. The construction of an additional well in Lancaster at a cost of $1,192,000 has been deferred until 2014.

3. The construction of an additional storage tank in Leona Valley at a cost of $238,700 has been deferred until 2014.

4. The connection to AVEK in Lancaster was reduced from $2,212,000 to $810,000, with a requirement that the bidding for the project would be publicly advertised to all contractors.

5. Cal Water had requested adding 75 new employees, but are now limited to 29, with only one part-time additional employee in the Antelope Valley District.

6. Also, due to the questions raised by Terry Zinger, the judge is ordering Cal Water to provide more detail about the reasonableness and costs of proposed future projects which will enable the committee to be better prepared to fight additional rate increases.

Thank you for your contributions and patience,

Leona Valley Town Council Water Committee