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Docket: UW22310
Order: UW20-03

IN THE MATTER of the Water and Sewerage Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap W-2 and the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. I-11;

AND IN THE MATTER of an application by the Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation for an increase in sewer rates and charges.

BEFORE THE COMMISSION

on Tuesday, the 1st day of December, 2020

J. Scott MacKenzie, Q.C., Chair
M. Douglas Clow, Vice-Chair
Erin T. Mitchell, Commissioner

 

Order

WHEREAS the Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation (the "Utility" or "Montague"), filed an application with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (the "Commission") for approval to increase sewer rates and charges, effective October 1, 2020 and October 1, 2021;

AND WHEREAS the Utility, in its application to the Commission, also requested that a 10% surcharge clause applicable to outside customers be removed from their tariff, effective January 1, 2021;

AND WHEREAS the Commission published a Notice in the newspaper outlining Montague's new rate proposal and inviting customer feedback;

AND WHEREAS one customer submitted written comments in response to the Notice of Application;

AND WHEREAS the Commission conducted a review of the utility's rate application, including analysis of Montague's revenues and expenditures for both water and sewer services;

AND WHEREAS, further to its consideration of the Utility's filing, the Commission concluded that:

1 the combination of increased operating costs and the ongoing recovery of the cumulative sewer utility deficit, supports Montague's request for increased sewer rates;

2  an amendment to the Utility's current water rates is not necessary at this time; and

3  the request to remove the 10% surcharge clause from Montague's rate tariff is valid;

AND WHEREAS it appears to the Commission that the tariffs of rates and charges approved herein are necessary and equitable;

AND WHEREAS, following the first complete year of billing at the final rates approved in this Order (year-end March 31, 2023), the Utility shall file with the Commission, by October 1, 2023, updated financial sewer and water revenue and expenditure projections for the fiscal years ending 2024, 2025 and 2026;

AND WHEREAS, in the interim, the Commission will continue to monitor Montague's financial information submitted each year for both sewer and water services;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the Water and Sewerage Act and the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission Act

IT IS ORDERED THAT

1. The rate tariffs for services of the Montague Sewage and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation, as set out in Schedules 1a - 1c, annexed hereto and forming part of this Order, are approved and declared effective on October 1, 2020, January 1, 2021 and October 1, 2021, respectively, and shall remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Commission; and 

2.  The Utility shall file with the Commission, by October 1, 2023, updated financial revenue and expenditure projections for both water and sewer services for fiscal year-end periods 2024, 2025 and 2026.

DATED at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, this 1st day of December, 2020.

BY THE COMMISSION:

J. Scott MacKenzie, Q.C., Chair

M. Douglas Clow, Vice-Chair

Erin T. Mitchell, Commissioner

 

NOTICE

Section 12 of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission Act reads as follows:

12. The Commission may, in its absolute discretion, review, rescind or vary any order or decision made by it or rehear any application before deciding it.

Parties to this proceeding seeking a review of the Commission's decision or order in this matter may do so by filing with the Commission, at the earliest date, a written Request for Review, which clearly states the reasons for the review and the nature of the relief sought.

Sections 13.(1), 13(2) 13(3) and 13(4) of the Act provide as follows:

13.(1)  An appeal lies from a decision or order of the Commission to the Court of Appeal upon a question of law or jurisdiction.

(2) The appeal shall be made by filing a notice of appeal in the Court of Appeal within twenty days after the decision or order appealed from and the rules of court respecting appeals apply with the necessary changes.

(3) The Commission shall be deemed to be a party to the appeal. 

(4) No costs shall be payable by any party to an appeal under this section unless the Court of Appeal, in its discretion, for special reasons, so orders.

 

Schedule 1a

Approved:   Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission
Effective:    October 1, 2020 
Order Authorizing Tariff: IRAC/UW22310/UW20-03

 

 

 

 

Montague
Sewer and Water

Collection and Treatment
Corporation

SEWER & WATER TARIFF

 

THIS TARIFF SPECIFIES THE RATES AND CHARGES
APPLICABLE TO SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE
MONTAGUE SEWER AND WATER COLLECTION
AND TREATMENT CORPORATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TYPES
OF SERVICES AND MANNER IN WHICH SUCH
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ARE CONTAINED IN THE
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUNICIPAL WATER AND SEWERAGE
UTILITIES GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

EFFECTIVE: October 1, 2020

Contents

Table of Contents

Metered Rates

Unmetered Rates

Municipal Services Rates

Sanitary Sewage Surcharge

Metered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to metered services provided to customers by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption.

Customers located outside Montague's municipal limits will be charged an additional amount of 10% on all applicable rates and charges.

Water & Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

Usage
Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $1.38

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $30.86 $92.57
3/4 inch $38.70 $116.10
1 inch $54.35 $163.04
1 1/2 inch $93.47 $280.42
2 inch $140.40 $421.19
3 inch $249.93 $749.80
4 inch $406.40 $1,219.20
6 inch $797.58 $2,392.74

Water Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $0.40

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $15.60 $46.80
3/4 inch $20.45 $61.35
1 inch $30.05 $90.15
1 1/2 inch $54.15 $162.45
2 inch $83.05 $249.15
3 inch $150.50 $451.50
4 inch $246.80$740.40
6 inch $487.65 $1,462.95

Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Equiv. Water Service Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $0.98

(per cubic metre of estimated water used)
5/8 inch $15.26 $45.77
3/4 inch $18.25 $54.75
1 inch $24.30 $72.89
1 1/2 inch $39.32 $117.97
2 inch $57.35 $172.04
3 inch $99.43 $298.30
4 inch $159.60 $478.80
6 inch $309.93 $929.79

Minimum Bill:    The minimum bill is the Demand Charge.

Unmetered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to unmetered services provided to customers served or capable of being served by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Customers located outside Montague's municipal limits will be charged an additional amount of 10% on all applicable rates and charges.

Flat Rates:

No water service line to exceed 3/4 inch.

Single-Family Dwellings:
Monthly Quarterly

Annually

Water & Sewer Service:

 $62.00 $186.00 $744.00

Sewer Service Only:

 $38.00 $114.00 $456.00

Water Service Only:

 $24.00 $72.00 $288.00
Non-Single Family Dwellings:

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption, in accordance with the metered rates contained on page 1 of this Tariff.


Special Flat Rates:

The Utility may approve the use of special flat rates where it is considered expedient due to the inadvisability of installing a meter due to exposure, etc., such as residential construction, temporary water fountains and similar devices. This type of service is to be provided only on an intermittent basis and is not to cover heavy consumption use.

Rates for Water Supplied from Fire Hydrants:

When the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for flushing sewers, drains or any other purpose, other than for fire protection, the Utility may grant a permit under such terms, conditions and rates as it may see fit, including arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant.

Municipal Services Rates

Fire Protection Charge:

The Utility shall charge the Town of Montague annually for water system facilities provided for fire protection services, the amount of 20% of the previous year's total water utility expenditures.

Sanitary Sewage Charge

Application:

In cases where any customer of the Utility discharges a sewage effluent into the sewer system which is excessively strong or where the suspended solids or fat and grease components are excessively high, the Utility may determine by sample testing and such other means as may be available, the degree of excessive contamination and require the customer to pay an additional surcharge in accordance with the concentration of the suspended solids (SS) and fat and grease (GR) proportions as set forth below.

Surcharge:

In cents per 1,000 Imperial gallons -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   7.6

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  7.6

         350

        100

In cents per cubic metre -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   1.674

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  1.674

         350

        100


 

Schedule 1b

Approved:   Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission
Effective:   January 1, 2021
Order Authorizing Tariff: IRAC/UW22310/UW20-03

 

 

 

 

Montague
Sewer and Water

Collection and Treatment
Corporation

SEWER & WATER TARIFF

 

THIS TARIFF SPECIFIES THE RATES AND CHARGES
APPLICABLE TO SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE
MONTAGUE SEWER AND WATER COLLECTION
AND TREATMENT CORPORATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TYPES
OF SERVICES AND MANNER IN WHICH SUCH
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ARE CONTAINED IN THE
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUNICIPAL WATER AND SEWERAGE
UTILITIES GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

EFFECTIVE: January 1, 2021

Contents

Table of Contents

Metered Rates

Unmetered Rates

Municipal Services Rates

Sanitary Sewage Surcharge

Metered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to metered services provided to customers by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption.

Water & Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

Usage
Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $1.38

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $30.86 $92.57
3/4 inch $38.70 $116.10
1 inch $54.35 $163.04
1 1/2 inch $93.47 $280.42
2 inch $140.40 $421.19
3 inch $249.93 $749.80
4 inch $406.40 $1,219.20
6 inch $797.58 $2,392.74

Water Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $0.40

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $15.60 $46.80
3/4 inch $20.45 $61.35
1 inch $30.05 $90.15
1 1/2 inch $54.15 $162.45
2 inch $83.05 $249.15
3 inch $150.50 $451.50
4 inch $246.80 $740.40
6 inch $487.65 $1,462.95

Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Equiv. Water Service Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $0.98

(per cubic metre of estimated water used)
5/8 inch $15.26 $45.77
3/4 inch $18.25 $54.75
1 inch $24.30 $72.89
1 1/2 inch $39.32 $117.97
2 inch $57.35 $172.04
3 inch $99.43 $298.30
4 inch $159.60 $478.80
6 inch $309.93 $929.79

Minimum Bill:    The minimum bill is the Demand Charge.

Unmetered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to unmetered services provided to customers served or capable of being served by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Flat Rates:

No water service line to exceed 3/4 inch.

Single-Family Dwellings:
Monthly Quarterly

Annually

Water & Sewer Service:

 $62.00 $186.00 $744.00

Sewer Service Only:

 $38.00 $114.00 $456.00

Water Service Only:

 $24.00 $72.00 $288.00
Non-Single Family Dwellings:

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption, in accordance with the metered rates contained on page 1 of this Tariff.


Special Flat Rates:

The Utility may approve the use of special flat rates where it is considered expedient due to the inadvisability of installing a meter due to exposure, etc., such as residential construction, temporary water fountains and similar devices. This type of service is to be provided only on an intermittent basis and is not to cover heavy consumption use.

Rates for Water Supplied from Fire Hydrants:

When the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for flushing sewers, drains or any other purpose, other than for fire protection, the Utility may grant a permit under such terms, conditions and rates as it may see fit, including arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant.

Municipal Services Rates

Fire Protection Charge:

The Utility shall charge the Town of Montague annually for water system facilities provided for fire protection services, the amount of 20% of the previous year's total water utility expenditures.

Sanitary Sewage Charge

Application:

In cases where any customer of the Utility discharges a sewage effluent into the sewer system which is excessively strong or where the suspended solids or fat and grease components are excessively high, the Utility may determine by sample testing and such other means as may be available, the degree of excessive contamination and require the customer to pay an additional surcharge in accordance with the concentration of the suspended solids (SS) and fat and grease (GR) proportions as set forth below.

Surcharge:

In cents per 1,000 Imperial gallons -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   7.6

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  7.6

         350

        100

In cents per cubic metre -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   1.674

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  1.674

 

Schedule 1c

Approved:   Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission
Effective:   October 1, 2021
Order Authorizing Tariff: IRAC/UW22310/UW20-03

 

 

 

 

Montague
Sewer and Water
Collection and Treatment
Corporation

SEWER & WATER TARIFF

 

THIS TARIFF SPECIFIES THE RATES AND CHARGES
APPLICABLE TO SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE
MONTAGUE SEWER AND WATER COLLECTION
AND TREATMENT CORPORATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TYPES
OF SERVICES AND MANNER IN WHICH SUCH
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ARE CONTAINED IN THE
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUNICIPAL WATER AND SEWERAGE
UTILITIES GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

EFFECTIVE: October 1, 2021

Contents

Table of Contents

Metered Rates

Unmetered Rates

Municipal Services Rates

Sanitary Sewage Surcharge

Metered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to metered services provided to customers by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption.

Water & Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

Usage
Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $1.52

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $33.13 $99.40
3/4 inch $41.42 $124.27
1 inch $57.97 $173.91
1 1/2 inch $99.34 $298.02
2 inch $148.95 $446.84
3 inch $264.76 $794.28
4 inch $430.20 $1,290.60
6 inch $843.80 $2,531.39

Water Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $0.40

(per cubic metre of water used)
5/8 inch $15.60 $46.80
3/4 inch $20.45 $61.35
1 inch $30.05 $90.15
1 1/2 inch $54.15 $162.45
2 inch $83.05 $249.15
3 inch $150.50 $451.50
4 inch $246.80 $740.40
6 inch $487.65 $1,462.95

Sewer Service (Demand Charge + Usage Charge):

Demand Charge

+

 

Usage Charge
Equiv. Water Service Meter Size Monthly Quarterly $.1.12

(per cubic metre of estimated water used)
5/8 inch $17.53 $52.60
3/4 inch $20.97 $62.92
1 inch $27.92 $83.76
1 1/2 inch $45.19 $135.57
2 inch $65.90 $197.69
3 inch $114.26 $342.78
4 inch $183.40 $550.20
6 inch $356.15 $1,068.44

Minimum Bill:    The minimum bill is the Demand Charge.

Unmetered Rates

Application:

The following rates and charges apply to unmetered services provided to customers served or capable of being served by the Town of Montague Sewer and Water Collection and Treatment Corporation.

Flat Rates:

No water service line to exceed 3/4 inch.

Single-Family Dwellings:
Monthly Quarterly

Annually

Water & Sewer Service:

 $67.67 $203.00 $812.00

Sewer Service Only:

 $43.67 $131.00 $524.00

Water Service Only:

 $24.00 $72.00 $288.00
Non-Single Family Dwellings:

Non-single-family dwelling customers not connected to service but capable of being served shall be billed the applicable service demand charge based on an equivalent water meter size, plus a usage charge based on estimated water consumption, in accordance with the metered rates contained on page 1 of this Tariff.


Special Flat Rates:

The Utility may approve the use of special flat rates where it is considered expedient due to the inadvisability of installing a meter due to exposure, etc., such as residential construction, temporary water fountains and similar devices. This type of service is to be provided only on an intermittent basis and is not to cover heavy consumption use.

Rates for Water Supplied from Fire Hydrants:

When the use of any fire hydrant is desired for supplying water for flushing sewers, drains or any other purpose, other than for fire protection, the Utility may grant a permit under such terms, conditions and rates as it may see fit, including arrangements regarding supervision of the opening and closing of the hydrant.

Municipal Services Rates

Fire Protection Charge:

The Utility shall charge the Town of Montague annually for water system facilities provided for fire protection services, the amount of 20% of the previous year's total water utility expenditures.

Sanitary Sewage Charge

Application:

In cases where any customer of the Utility discharges a sewage effluent into the sewer system which is excessively strong or where the suspended solids or fat and grease components are excessively high, the Utility may determine by sample testing and such other means as may be available, the degree of excessive contamination and require the customer to pay an additional surcharge in accordance with the concentration of the suspended solids (SS) and fat and grease (GR) proportions as set forth below.

Surcharge:

In cents per 1,000 Imperial gallons -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   7.6

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  7.6

         350

        100

In cents per cubic metre -

SS(ppm) -  350

x   1.674

+

GR(ppm) - 100

x  1.674