As per Board Order 86/17, the Simplified Process requires the utility to provide the Board with the evidence relevant to a ratemaking decision, and will permit the Board to establish justification, transparency and intelligibility in its decision-making process, while alleviating some of the regulatory burden on those utilities which are compliant and meet the designated criteria. The Board’s process and its outcome must be reasonable and, as always, the applicant utility bears the burden of proof on a rate application.
The Board’s objectives in introducing a Simplified Process are:
1. Allow utilities to keep up with rising operating costs using minimal resources;
2. Provide an incentive for municipalities to remain compliant and current;
3. Introduce smaller rate increases on a regular basis, which is generally preferred by ratepayers;
4. Decrease the backlog of rate and deficit applications with the PUB; and
5. Allow the PUB to focus its resources on the utilities that require the most assistance.
Criteria and Minimum Filing Requirements can be found below in Schedule A of Order 86/17 (see below)
Simplified Application Process - What must be submitted:
Summary and explanation of rates being sought
Utilities by-law, after first reading (determining rate, billing information, penalties, fees and rescinding past by-law) (Sample By-Law)
Copy of past by-law and Board Order No. approving current rates in effect
Signed Affidavit asserting that the Utility meets the Board's designated criteria, the utility is not experiencing an operating deficit, and requested rate is expected to be adequate to meet operating costs for the year. (Blank Fillable Affidavit)
Rate Calculation
Explanation for annual operating surplus in excess of 20% operating expenses
Audited Financial Statements and budget information must be up to date on MMO or submitted directed to the Board for review.
Failure to submit all pieces required for an application will result in it not being accepted and sent back to the Utility to refile.
Affidavit of Publication - Simplified Rate Application Process
Board Order 27/23: An Order Revising Water and/or Wastewater Utilities - Simplified Rate Application Process - Maximum Allowable Rate Increase for Municipality Owned Public Utilities - Review and Vary Board Order No. 86/17
Board Order No. 86/17: Simplified Rate Application Process and Revised Minimum Filing Requirements for Municipally Owned Public Utilities
Schedule A of Order 86/17- Application Process - Determined Criteria and Minimum Filing Requirements for Municipalities Filing Applications for Revised Rates with the Public Utilities Board - Simplified Application Process (MFRSP)
Board Order No. 151/08: Water and Wastewater Utilities Financial Reporting Requirements