Artesian Water Company, Inc. ("Artesian"), a subsidiary of Artesian Resources Corporation (NASDAQ:ARTNA), filed an application with the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) today for a change in customer rates. The rate application submitted to the PSC for review and approval consists of a requested increase in revenue of 12.41%, or approximately $10.8 million, on an annualized basis. The increase also reflects the recovery of investments made under the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) of 1.66% currently in place that will reset to 0.0% once new base rates are implemented, meaning the incremental increase to existing billed rates would be 10.75%. This rate filing will undergo extensive review by both the PSC and the Division of the Public Advocate (DPA).
The request addresses investments in water utility infrastructure made by Artesian since October 1, 2023 and projected to be made through September 30, 2025. It also addresses increases in costs necessary to provide reliable service while continuing to maintain compliance with more stringent water quality regulations.