Since 1996, Pioneer Consulting Group has completed more than 75 water and sewer cost of service and rate studies. Douglas Gardner has completed more than 150 water rate and wastewater rate studies during his 25-year career stint with the municipal government. Wesley Gardner, Jr., CPA (retired) has completed more than 250 sewer and water rate studies.
Our Methodology
PCG’s methodology for conducting a rate study includes the following steps:
- Determine the revenue requirements and prepare a cost of service study based on the fully absorbed basis, i.e., direct costs, indirect costs, debt service, and capital improvements
- Determine equitable rates by class of customer that include minimum charges, step rates, fire protection charges, cross connection charges, and other related fees and charges
- Analysis and design of alternative rate structures using our proprietary computer model that allows us to provide alternative rate structures as budgets and financing options change
Billing Analysis
The billing analysis allows us to develop computerized trends of customer usage to aid us in determining the number of step rates and the amount of flow allowed in each of the blocks for water/sewer customers. We prepare a 12-month billing analysis for each rate study.
