Communicating with Ratepayers: Getting Past “Paying More for Less”

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Across the West, public utilities are facing the necessity of raising and restructuring water rates to address operating and capital needs, and create successful efficiency programs. While often leading to lower long-term rates, efficiency investments can aggravate short-term rate issues and utilities can often face public anger and conflict over the perception that ratepayers are being asked to pay more for less. Please join us for a webinar to explore the following questions:

• What tools can utilities utilize to communicate more effectively and successfully with their ratepayers as they move to restructure rates to adequately cover fixed costs in light of efficiency program success?
• How can utilities be convincing about the financial and other community benefits of conservation pricing to consumers and turn public anger into broad support for the utility’s long-term strategic vision?
• What are the respective roles of decision makers and utility management in developing communication strategies?

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Speakers:
Sarah Musiker, WaterNow Alliance
Michelle Maddaus, Maddaus Water Management
Melissa Elliott, Raftelis Consulting
Matt Collings, Moulton Niguel Water District
Cynthia Koehler, WaterNow Alliance, Moderator