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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Rate Study 4 ! t PROPOSAL Conduct a Water Rate Study Truckee Donner Public Utility District JUNE 2004 June 2,2004 ' Via U.S.Mail Mr.Peter Holzmeister ' General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O.Box 309 Truckee, California 96160 Subject: Proposal to Conduct a Water Rate Study Dear Mr. Holzmeister: Water purveyors face many challenges in their goal to provide fair and equitable rates to their customers. ' Such challenges can prove to have a large impact on customers. We know that Truckee Donner Public Utility District's (the District or TDPUD) goals include creating conservation incentives, developing a fair cost recovery plan for both permanent and non-permanent residents, and implementing a transition to ' water meters for all customers over time. It is R.W. Beck, Inc.'s desire to work with TDPUD in the development of a Water Rate Study in order to make these goals reality. Our project approach focuses on criteria that must occur in order for objectives to be met. The strategies we have identified include: ■ Analyzing the cost of service to ensure that costs are properly allocated to each customer class. ■ Evaluating rate alternatives that include conservation incentives, addition of water meters to existing accounts, and recovery of the cost of new connections. ■ Developing rate alternatives that make TDPUD financially whole. Due to relevant project experience and understanding of the TDPU )'s goals, the project team we have identified is well-suited to work with the District on this study. We look forward to the opportunity to ' work with you. Sincerely, R.W.BECK,INC. ' Michael Kenneth . Mellor,PE Principal Senior Director of Consulting GB:pg:jm ' Encl. 60412-0001 1119136 ! P:yMiarketing\proposalsv2004',P0333 Truckee Donner PUDA02 Letter.doe _ 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive Suite 300 South Sacramento,CA 95833 Phone(916)929-3653 Fax(916)929-1710 C TABLE OF CONTENTS ' Letter of Transmittal SECTION ProjectTeam.........................................................................................................1 ' Scope of Work......................................................................................................2 Project Experience................................................................................................3 Schedule...............................................................................................................4 ProjectFee ...........................................................................................................5 APPENDIX Resumes...............................................................................................................A ' 0 Copyright 2004,R.W.Beck,Inc.,All Rights Reserved ' SECTION#1 PROJECT TEAM SECTION 1 PROJECT TEAM ' R.W. Beck's proposed team is comprised of personnel with experience in the following areas: • Developing rate structure options • Conducting cost of service studies • Presenting results to governing bodies • Participating in public outreach, including meetings with community groups and customers Throughout the project, the project team will be available to meet with the District. Additionally R. W. Beck will meet with the District at the execution and completion of each task. Project Personnel Greg Broeking— Project Manager Mr. Broeking has over 20 years of experience providing advanced finance, accounting, and auditing services. He has helped utilities achieve long-term,predictable, and stable rates by analyzing the cost of capital and financial requirements. His experience includes developing and implementing competitive electric,water, and solid waste rate strategies; and conducting cost/benefit analysis of major projects. ' Responsibilities In addition to overall project management, Mr.Broeking's responsibilities will include assisting and developing the new water rate structures, evaluating TDPUD's revenue streams, developing the water rate model, preparing the report, acting as liaison with TDPUD staff, ' presenting the final study to the Board, and providing outreach to community groups and customers, as needed. Relevant Experience • Rate Design and Reserve Studies and 5-Year Financial Forecast Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District/Escondido, California • Financial Participation Charges Review Eastern Municipal Water District/Perris,California • Water and Sewer Rate Study Mission Springs Water District/Desert Hot Springs, California P0333_0604 t_t ' PROJECT TEAM i ' Kenneth J. Mellor, PE Ken Mellor is a Senior Director of Consulting in R.W.Beck's Sacramento office,with 41 years of experience in the utility industry. He spent 23 of these years in engineering and management positions with a large publicly-owned utility,including 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer. Mr.Mellor served as Chairman of the American Public Power Association Rate Committee for two years. He has worked with a number of utilities on strategic rate design and competitive positioning, and is the Firm's foremost expert on electric industry restructuring. Project work he has completed includes rate unbundling, market pricing, and the development of competitive changes to service rules and regulations. Responsibilities Mr.Mellor's responsibilities on this project will include attending the kick-off meeting. He will also attend the Board meetings and participate in any presentations made to the Board. Mr. Mellor will also assist with developing the draft and final reports. ' Relevant Experience • Revenue Plan and Water Rate Analysis ' San Diego County Water Authority/San Diego, California • Cost-of-Service and Rate Studies City of Banning, California • Rate Studies Imperial Irrigation District/Imperial, California • Utility Restructuring—Competitive Positioning Los Angeles Department of Water and Power/Los Angeles, California • Glendale Water and Power/Glendale, California ' . Pasadena Water and Power/Pasadena, California ' Michael A. Bell With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Bell has detailed knowledge and experience with the preparation and implementation of electric and water rates. Additionally, Mr.Bell has managed financial reporting and forecasting,resource allocation, and debt issuance and restructuring to meet competitive market pressures. ' Responsibilities Mr.Bell's responsibilities on this project will include being in charge of quality assurance and quality control. He will review and approve the draft and final reports, and be available for public meetings,if necessary. ! i II I ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 1-2 SECTION #2 SCOPE OF WORK t 1 ' SECTION 2 SCOPE OF WORK Our approach to the design of water rates is based upon the cost-of- service analysis and the TDPUD's rate setting objectives. Key goals include creating rates that are fair and equitable to all parties while balancing sometimes competing principles of cost-of-service analysis and the organization's goals and objectives. To ensure the ultimate defensibility of rates,R.W. Beck uses industry standard approaches to cost-of-service analyses and rate design, such as those published by the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation. The specific steps that we propose are outlined in the Scope of Work section below. Scope of Work R.W. Beck has developed the following proposed scope of work to assist the TDPUD in the completion of a cost-of-service and water rate study based upon our understanding of the TDPUD's needs. Modifications may be made to this scope of work and related schedule and budget for us to ensure the TDPUD's needs are met. Task 1 Initial Data Review and Additional Data Request Task Objective. To collect the necessary data for the study. Methodology. R.W. Beak will have an initial discussion with TDPUD staff of likely issues to be considered in this study. A data request listing the operational and financial data needed for the study will ' then be prepared and provided to the TDPUD. ■ Deliverable. Initial data request to be provided prior to the kick-off meeting. ' Task 2 Kick-Off Meeting ' . Task Objective. To clarify project goals and objectives and to review initial data request. • Methodology. The kick-off meeting will cover the following items: ' . Project goals and objectives Stakeholder issues and concerns Communication protocol between stakeholders,TDPUD staff, and R.W.Beck ' . Use of key assumptions in the analysis ' P0333 0604 2-1 SCOPE OF WORK I Review of requested data items Final schedule and budget for the project I ' Deliverable. Revised data request, as necessary. Task 3 Review Water Operations • Task Objective. To define the basis for cost-of-service differences among TDPUD's customers. • Methodology. TDPUD will provide available system data relevant to cost-of-service issues. This data would include peaking characteristics, seasonal use characteristics, customer data,available facilities I descriptions, and definitions of budgetary line items. R. W. Beck will review this data and discuss with TDPUD the aspects of TDPUD's rate structures that require changing and the aspects that do not require changing. I • Deliverable. The results of this task will be incorporated into Task 6,Draft and Final Reports. Task 4 Water Utility Rate and Connection Fee Analysis Task 4A Develop Revenue Requirement Projections for 2005-2009 Study Period • Task Objective. To develop projections of revenues and expenditures over the five-year planning period. • Methodology. R.W. Beck will determine overall revenue requirements of TDPUD's water utility for I the five-year study period 2005-2009. The analysis will project customers,water sales, and revenues under existing rate schedules, non-rate revenue sources, operation and maintenance expenses, capital ' expenses, debt service requirements,and any other cash obligations. We will work with TDPUD staff in developing residential sales and water system losses. R.W. Beck will provide two revenue requirement scenarios. This analysis will be closely integrated with Tasks 4B and 4C below. In response to R. W. Beck's data request,TDPUD will provide available revenue and expense projections, and budgetary assumptions used by TDPUD in financial forecasts. Available capital improvement financial plans will also be provided by TDPUD, as well as copies of applicable debt ' issuance ordinances. R. W.Beck will work with TDPUD to establish operating and capital reserve recommendations as necessary. ■ Deliverable. Tables showing revenue requirement projections to be included in Task 6,Draft and Final ' Reports. Task Q Develop Cost-of-Service Analysis for 2005-2009 Study Period ' ■ Task Objective. To identify the cost-of-service to ensure equitable allocation of cost responsibility among TDPUD's customer classes. I ' ■ Methodology. Based on input and data from TDPUD, R. W.Beck proposes to use either the Base-Extra Capacity or the Commodity-Demand methodology described in American Water Works Association publications. The cost-of-service analysis will include a definition of customer classes,analysis of average and peak use data provided by TDPUD, functionalization, classification, and cost allocation. A single cost-of-service analysis will be completed using one of the two revenue requirement scenarios developed in Task 4A and based on the determined test year. ' Deliverable. Cost-of-service analysis tables; written documentation of the cost-of-service analysis(will be included in Task 6,Draft and Final Reports). ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 2.2 SCOPE OF WORK I Task 4C Review TDPUD's Water Rate Structure and Prepare Three Rate Structure Alternatives for 2005-2009 Study Period i • Task Objective. To provide recommendations for changes to TDPLD's rate and connection fee structures to be consistent with the cost-of-service results,rate design policies, and customer i requirements. • Methodology. Using bill frequency analysis, data for metered commercial customers provided by TDPUD and the cost-of-service analysis results,R.W. Beck will recommend three rate structure alternatives to meet TDPUD's rate-setting objectives. In order to arrive at estimated residential class consumption, it is proposed that we start with total production; work with the District to arrive at a reasonable estimate of system losses; and then back out commercial metered consumption and an estimate of non-metered commercial use. If the system condition is such that the District believes that losses differ between classes as a percentage of consumption,that will be taken into account in the analysis. Once rates have been designed,typical bill comparisons for each alternative will be prepared for ' representative customer classes and usage patterns. hi addition, we will compare existing and i proposed rates with neighboring utilities to the extent available. Based on a review of the alternative rates and typical bill analysis,it may be necessary to develop proposed rates that are different from cost-of-service levels. If significant adjustments are required to make revenue recovery more ically propose to implement a phase-in plan to reach the cost-of-service over equitable, we would typ a two-to five-year period. This helps to eliminate any`rate shock"that may occur for specific customer classes, as well as provide for increased revenue stability. TDPUD has noted a preference for inverted rates. In order to reduce rate shock and to more accurately set rates to meet revenue requirements, a good transition step for residential customers would be a customer charge plus a flat commodity charge for each unit of consumption. This may provide the desired conservation incentive and would provide data that could be used in later rate adjustments or changes to inverted rates. Since peak demand occurs in the summer, there could be a higher per unit commodity charge in the summer to recover the fixed costs associated with the higher summer demand. This might also address the non-permanent resident issue. Deliverable. Tables summarizing three rate structure alternatives;revised rate and connection fee schedules; and typical bill comparisons. The revised rate schedules will incorporate the meter reading cost of the new technology soon to be installed by TDPUD. The rates will also address the cost of any pilot program for residential customers. I ' Task 5 Meetings and Presentations Task Objective. To participate in meetings and workshops with TDPUD staff and others to discuss ' preliminary and final results of the study. Methodology. In this proposed scope of work, the following seri es of meetings is proposed with TDPUD staff: ' • Kick-off meeting included as part of Task 1 ' • Meeting with staff to include discussion of revenue requirement results and preliminary cost-of- service analysis results ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 2-3 SCOPE OF WORK • Meeting with staff to include discussion of cost-of-service analysis results and proposed rate schedules • A series of three meetings with the Board of Directors to discuss the proposed rate/fee structures • Deliverable. Presentation materials and handouts. Task 6 — Draft and Final Reports • Task Objective. To provide TDPUD with a concise summary of the key assumptions, methodology, recommended revenue requirements, cost-of-service analysis, and proposed rates developed in the rate study. ■ Methodology. Three copies of the draft report will be provided to TDPUD staff for review. After receiving and incorporating comments, where appropriate,from TDPUD staff; R.W.Beck will deliver up to 10 copies of the final report approximately 15 days later, along with one electronic copy of the final report in PDF format. • Deliverable. Up to three copies of the draft report;and up to 10 copies of the final report. I i ii I I I i I I ' R.W.Beck,Inc. p-q SECTION #3 PROJECT EXPERIENCE SECTION 3 PROJECT EXPERIENCE t The following is a description of projects that represent our experience in assisting water districts with their rate study needs. Additional project experience is available upon request. tRate Design and Reserve Studies, and 5-Year Financial Forecast Project ' Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District/Escondido,California Rincon del Diablo retained R. W. Beck to conduct a rate design study which included identifying the District's future revenue requirements, conducting a cost-of-service analysis,and designing rate options. Key issues addressed throughout this study included the amount of revenue to be collected from fixed charges versus variable charges, conservation incentives (tiered pricing and a frugal user discount),and reclaimed water. Factors considered in developing the reserve levels were other water utilities reserve levels, industry standards,the specific needs of the District including its capital improvement program, and the status of the electric industry in California and its impact on the water industry. The information from these two studies and the replacement planning model study were used to develop a five-year financial forecast that included new debt issues for the expected capital improvement requirements. Results were presented at a Board of Director's workshop and a public hearing. Reference: Annette Hubbell General Manager (760) 745-5522 Water and Sewer Rate and Connection Fee Study Mission Springs Water District/Desert Hot Springs,California ' R. W.Beck was retained by the Mission Springs Water District(District) to conduct a water and sewer rate and connection fee study. The scope of work included projecting the revenue requirement, conducting cost- of-service analysis, and designing rates. In addition, connection fees were to be reviewed and a revised schedule of water and sewer system connection fees developed based on either the equity approach, ' incremental approach, or a combination of the two methods. The results indicated that to meet the District's financial policy targets, that include 100%recovery of depreciation expense by fiscal year 2009, water rates and connection fees would need to be increased and the methodology fore ratecalculating connection fees changed. The projected average system-wide increase for fiscal year 2005 was ]0% and 9% for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. For a typical single-family ' P0333_0604 3.7 PROJECT EXPERIENCE i residence,the connection fee would increase from$2,230 to $3,307. For the remaining customers,the f connection would be based on the water meter size,rather than on a per-unit or per plumbing fixture unit. A rate hearing was held on April 19, 2004 at which time the Board of Directors unanimously approved {{ the proposed changes that were outlined in the R. W.Beck report. Reference: Wayne Nielson j Director of Finance (760) 329-6448 Financial Participation Charges Review Eastern Municipal Water District/Perris,California R.W. Beck was retained by the Eastern Municipal Water District(District)to review its Financial Participation Charges (FPCs)/connection fees for the domestic water system, sewer treatment plant capacity, and the sewer system and recycled water facilities. The purpose of the review was to determine whether the methodologies used to calculate the charges were"not unreasonable." Based on this determination,R.W. Beck was asked to provide an opinion as to whether the FPCs are fair,equitable, and set in accordance with industry standards or practices. To assist us in the review of the District's FPCs, which were calculated using the system buy-in methodology,R. W. Beck developed several cost ranges based on acceptable industry practices,within which the FPCs could fall. In developing the ranges of the acceptable FPC charges,we included i consideration of the incremental cost pricing methodology, since this approach reflects customers being charged the cost for new facilities being added to provide service to these customers. The analysis included using key assumptions and data provided by the District. Our calculations using the incremental cost pricing methodology indicated that this methodology results in costs that exceed the current charges. Therefore, we concluded that the FPCs currently in effect were"not unreasonable"and ■■ are fair and equitable from a cost-of-service perspective. ' Reference: Joe Makwinski Director of New Business Development (909)928-3777, ext. 4404 ' Revenue Allocation by Customer Class Imperial Irrigation DistrictAmperial,California Project Manager. Mr. Broeking conducted a study resulting in a report that compared current revenue by customer class to the cost of providing service to each customer class. A demand factor model was developed that estimated non-coincident peak and coincident peak demands, Demand information was then incorporated into the revenue allocation model that unbundled costs among production, !_ transmission, and distribution. Reference: Robert Fugett Superintendent General Electric Services (760)339-9144 it R.W.Beck,Inc. 3-2 i SECTION #4 SCHEDULE SECTION 4 SCHEDULE ' R. W. Beck envisions a four-month period to complete the project, allowing for budget preparation. This schedule is based on TDPL'D's budgeting and rate implementation requirements. Our Scope of Work in Section 2 is directly linked to the project schedule. The schedule below depicts the project tasks, as well as the time period in which they will be completed. I ID Task Name ----T--- ' JuneJull -4August ISe ember !Oct, Ober Notice to Proceed — s,14 —�' z Initial Data Request { 614' ' s I Kick-off Meeting 614 ! 4 Review of Operations �5 Develop Revenue Projections ' s I Cost.of Service Analysis,. 7 Prepare Rate Alternatives _ _ I 8 Draft Report with City Staff ' 9 Receive Comments from District Staff 10 i Final Report ..� - ♦ 101 P03330604 4-1 i SECTION #5 PROJECT FEE r r r r r r r r r i i i i i ' SECTION 5 PROJECT FEE R.W. Beck proposes to prepare the Water Rate Study for a not-to-exceed fee of$34,500. This fee is based on the tasks described in the proposed Scope of Work and our experience with similar projects. I P0333_0604. 5-1 ® APPENDIX#A RESUMES Gregory Broeking Southern Illinois University,Carbondale ' B.S. in Accounting Mr. Broeking has over 20 years of advanced finance, accounting, and auditing experience. He joined R. W. Beck after serving several years as the Public Utilities Financial Services Manager for the City of Anaheim, California. Mr.Broeking is a Certified Public Accountant. ' Management During his career,Mr. Broeking has had administrative responsibility for electric and water utility functions such as rate development and design, customer care,information systems, accounting and energy supply. He has also managed operational audits, financial reporting, and debt issuance and restructuring to meet competitive pressures. Finance Mr. Broeking has detailed knowledge of both short-term and long-term financing vehicles. He was responsible for restructuring debt at a major generating plant resulting in the reduction of S41 million in debt service payments and shortening the payback period by three years. He also developed a repayment plan to pay off more than$250 million in debt over five years at a joint venture investment. Mr. Brooking has prepared official statements in conjunction with the financing of capital improvement projects. He has had significant interaction with investment bankers, outside auditors,bond counsel, and financial advisors regarding strategic issues facing utilities as well as extensive interaction with joint venture partners regarding multi-billion ' dollar power projects. Mr. Broeking has also managed department budgets and financial plans and forecasts. ' Rates Mr. Broeking has analyzed the cost of capital and other financial requirements to help utilities achieve long-term,predictable and stable rates. His experience includes developing and implementing competitive electric, water, and solid waste rate strategies and conducting costlbenefit ' analysis of major projects. ' R.W.Beck,Inc. — GREGORY BROEKING Optimized Commercial Collection Rate Analysis j City of Sacramento/California Project Manager. R.W. Beck was retained by the City to evaluate its commercial collection options. The principal objectives of the review were to estimate the costs and rates that should be charged if the City were to optimize its roll-off and dumpster collection services, and identify additional opportunities for expansion of commercial collection services. Recommendations were made to improve the productivity of the work force, make better use of its existing assets, and expand revenue. It was also recommended that the Solid Waste Division be granted ' the authorization to enter into contracts that have a pricing structure that is different than the standard price sheets. A price sheet was developed for frontload service assuming that certain productivity improvements were implemented. ' Solid Waste Privatization City of Visalia/California Project Manager. R.W. Beck was retained by the City of Visalia to estimate the impact of the potential privatization of the City's Solid Waste Division on the City's Genera] Fund and the City's Internal j Service Funds. Currently, services are provided to the Division by other City funds for which they are reimbursed. The impact to these funds of no longer providing service to the Division and thus losing a source of revenue was evaluated. Our review included an analysis to determine if a reduction in costs can be obtained to offset the loss in revenue and to quantify the overall impact to the City of privatization. Where appropriate,recommendations were to be made to the City to address these revenue shortfalls and any other observations or findings as a result of our review. The Division's expenses were segregated into direct and allocated(indirect)costs. It was determined that almost all of the direct expenses would no longer be incurred by the City if privatization was to i. occur. The allocated costs were split between those that would go away and those that would stay. It was estimated that$1.8 million of the$4.1 million in allocated costs would remain and be the ' responsibility of other City departments or divisions. The remaining expenses consisted primarily of street sweeping, in-lieu payments,and general government costs. It was estimated that the City would have to charge a franchise fee of 17%to recover these costs, if privatization occurred. At its June 2,2003 meeting, the City Council voted not to pursue privatization of the Division. ' Replacement Planning Model Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District/Escondido,California Project Manager. R.W. Beck was retained by the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District(District) to develop a Replacement Planning Model that calculates the annual replacement and refurbishment needs for major capital assets and the potential impact of these needs on the Infrastructure on Reserve Fund balance. I ' To assist us in the development of the model, we performed several key activities. These activities included developing the existing system inventory, future system inventory,replacement costs, refurbishment costs, cost escalation estimates, useful life estimates and refurbishment interval estimates. These activities result in a database of the District's facilities,replacement cost, and expected life. The results of the work show the anticipated cash requirements of the District and the necessary reserves ' on a yearly basis over the 50-year study period. ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 3 1 ' GREGORY BROEKING Focused Assessment Plan Montecito Water DistrictlMontecito,California Management Consultant. The Montecito Water District(MWD)was interested in establishing a road map to provide a clear,precise direction for the cost-effective operation and the efficient management of all MWD water system facilities for the next ten years. An immediate objective was to establish along- range planning tool recommending critical short-term, mid-term, and long-term capital facility improvements and system additions. j R. W. Beck produced a"Focused Assessment" or"Report Card"of the critical issues facing the District. In analyzing these issues, an action plan was developed which identified specific priorities for short- term,mid-term, and long-term action and financing. Utilizing an intensive field/site visit and workshop h MWD system with k team assesse d the overall strengths and weaknesses of the y approach,the R.W.Beck g �; respect to storage, system redundancy,pump station sizing, and tr ansm ssion and distribution assessment. These issues were analyzed with the output being a prioritized action plan identifying short-term, mid- term, and long-term actions for improvement. The plan was "grounded"in financial reality,with realistic cost estimates and alternatives for both pay-as-you-go and debt financing strategies. �I Additional Relevant Experience Anaheim Public Utilities Department Anaheim,California Financial Services Manager. Mr. Broeking was responsible for the controller functions including business planning,budgeting(S300 million),monthly financial reporting to the business plan,rate administration,capital financing,and accounting. He also managed the development and implementa- tion of strategic financial plans and was responsible for financial forecasting. His responsibilities also included managing 10 employees and a planning process involving 300 employees. I Manager,Operations Analysis and Information Systems. Mr. Broeking was responsible for con- ducting reviews of the department's operations. He was also responsible for developing information systems policies and procedures, and maintaining the local area network. ' Electric Utility Department Austin,Texas Audit Manager. Mr. Broeking established the internal audit function for the electric utility. He was responsible for developing the audit manual and training staff. His work resulted in recovery in excess j of SI million of overbillings. ' San Diego Gas and Electric Company San Diego,California Internal Audit Supervisor. Mr. Broeking developed and managed the internal audit annual operating plan for a staff of nine auditors. He managed budgets in excess of$600,000 and prepared reports and discussed audit activities with SDG&E's Board of Directors. ' Staff Auditor Positions. Mr. Broeking reviewed the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information. He assessed the adequacy of the company's policies and procedures,reported findings and recommendations to correct conditions, improve effectiveness, and reduce costs. His assignments ncluded reviews of temporary labor, accounts payable,purchased power, fuel suppliers and major construction projects. Audit work resulted in over$10 million in recoveries. i ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 5 Kenneth J. Mellor, PE Ken Mellor is a Senior Director of Consulting in R. W. Beck's University of California,Berkeley Sacramento office. Mr. Mellor has 41 years of experience in the utility B.S.in Electrical Engineering industry. He spent 23 of these years in engineering and management positions with a large publicly-owned utility. This included 10 years as Registered Professional Engineer, the Chief Financial Officer. California Industry Restructuring In the past several years, Mr. Mellor has concentrated his efforts on the restructuring of the electric utility industry and assisted numerous clients in strategic planning and preparing for competition. He has worked on restructuring issues in Australia,New Zealand,and throughout the United States. Recent projects have included competitive assessments, strategic planning for a competitive environment, alliance formations, developing a "blueprint" for competition,benehmarking,business and marketing plan development, strategic tariff development,power supply contract negotiations (both wholesale and retail), financial restructuring, governance review,and providing load aggregation services. This electric industry experience has now translated to the water industry, where Mr.Mellor has recently been active in governance,privatization issues, and organization and strategic pricing assignments. ' Strategic and Competition Planning In his executive role in the utility and while working with R. W. Beck, Mr.Mellor has been deeply involved in strategic and long-term planning. He has played a key role in strategic decisions on financial plans, transmission systems, long-term power contracts,generation resources, fuel mix, and organization and management processes. He has extensive experience with electric industry restructuring and assists clients to prepare for a more competitive electric utility industry. Since joining R.W.Beck, Mr.Mellor spent over a year in Australia managing a joint-venture business serving the electricity and gas utilities ' and industrial customers with respect to project feasibility analyses, utility restructuring, demand-side management, and cogeneration. ' Finance and Rates Mr. Mellor has had lead responsibility for the issuance of over$1 billion in long-term revenue bonds, $120 million of intermediate put bonds, and has established and managed a commercial paper program of S 125 million. He has negotiated and implemented bank lines of credit and served as treasurer of three joint-action agencies, one utility district, and one non-profit agency. He has also had responsibility for investment of a portfolio averaging in excess of$200 million. ' R.W.Beck,Inc, 1 KENNETH J.MELLOR, RE ' Organizational and operational analysis for a large electric distribution utility in Australia. • Presentation of seminars in New Zealand and Australia in preparing for privatization and commercialization. • Development of a strategic marketing plan for retail competition for an Australian electric utility. Strategic tariff design for competitive markets. • Management of an integrated engineering, legal and banking team to determine the economics and advisability of acquisition of a large investor-owned gas and electric utility by a publicly-owned wholesale water distributor. • Presentation of numerous workshops, nationwide, on Direct Access Implementation for the restructured electric industry. • System and engineering analysis, including regulatory system advice and system valuation in New Zealand, leading to the privatization of the electric generation and transmission system owned by the government. Financial policy and process review,including revenue stability, cost allocation equity,rate design, reserve levels and requirements, and risk management for a large Southern California water utility. • Rate negotiations with large industrial customers. • Power supply contract negotiations. • Water transfer analyses and wheeling negotiations. • Wholesale water system revenue planning and restructuring. • Assistance in the financial decisions and public involvement in key system design and engineering for a large Canadian electric utility. Water wheeling analyses for wholesale water transactions. • Independent engineering services for financing of a water treatment plant and transmission system for a large irrigation district in California. ■ Financial and policy review of the potential acquisition of a water distribution system in Nevada by a multi jurisdictional agency. • Assistance in negotiating contracts for development of a large waste coal-fired power plant in New ' South Wales,Australia, including fuel supply, construction and financing. • Served as Assistant General Manager and Chief Financial Officer for a large electric utility in California. Served as treasurer of three joint action agencies in California. • Led the development of a California joint action agency to finance demand-side management and conservation activities for electric, water, gas,wastewater and steam utilities. ' Litigation support for various clients. Project manager for utility alliance formations. ' 3 R.W.Beck,Inc. KENNETH J.MELLOR, PE Roseville Electric Department,Roseville,California Mr.Mellor managed an assignment with Roseville to develop tariff strategies to determine unbundled costs,to assist in competitive rate design, and to negotiate industrial customer service contracts. ' California Municipal Utilities Association,Sacramento,California Mr.Mellor has led a number of projects for CMUA, including: ' Competitive Market Assessments • Stranded Cost Evaluation • Public Goods Charge Analysis Creation of a Manual on Demand-Side Management • Assisting with strategies to influence state legislative and regulatory action and FERC consideration of industry restructuring. Northern California Power Agency,Roseville,California Mr. Mellor has assisted NCPA in a number of competitive assignments, including: • Strategic Planning for Competition • Independent Engineering for Bond Issues • Competitive Assessment for NCPA Members • Financial Restructuring • Assistance to members on development of a Competitive Transition Charge • Coordination of power supply issues with the Western Area Power administration City of Lodi,Electric Utilities,Lodi,California Mr,Mellor has worked with the City of Lodi to help them analyze their competitive position, to develop i and implement competitive strategies. City of Tallahassee,Electric Department,Tallahassee,Florida Mr.Mellor has worked with the City to assess electric industry restructuring, to inform key policy makers of probable impacts, and to develop strategies for competitive positioning. Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company Mr. Mellor worked as part of a R.W. Beck team to assess and develop stranded cost mitigation strategies for MMWEC. City of Banning,Electric Utility,Banning,California Mr.Mellor has managed a competitive cost-of-service and a rates and restructuring project for the City of Banning, and currently provides Management Advisory services to the City. ' Southern California Public Power Authority,Pasadena,California Mr. Mellor has assisted on a number of competition-related projects for SCPPA,including: • Strategic Planning Presentation • Utility Merger Intervention • Metering and Billing System Specification for a Restructured Industry • Electric Rate Forecasting and Competitive Analysis ' Distributed generation study Turlock Irrigation District,Turlock,California ' Mr.'Mellor has worked with Turlock on a number of competition-related assignments, including rate restructuring,Direct Access rate design, strategic positioning, and competitive analysis. ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 5 ' KENNETH J.MELLOR, RE Business plans included review of new generation described above and major new loads, such as pumping at the proposed Freeport Project. Activities included assistance with public participation in workshops and energy forums. EBMUD decided to move forward with the facilitation of renewable resources but determined not to pursue the municipalization of the electric distribution system. Energy Consulting Services City of West Hollywood,California The City of West Hollywood hired R.W.Beck to provide consulting services focusing on whether it was feasible for the City to become a municipal utility or to consider Spot Municipalization. R.W. Beck presented a workshop that outlined risks and benefits of municipalization, costs of evaluation and implementation, political hurdles, industry structure changes, and other aspects of the City's energy strategy. Based on the workshop discussions, the City decided not to proceed with municipalization. Spot Municipalization Pre-Feasibility Study City of Chino,California The City of Chino established an Energy Advisory Committee to provide input to City Management and the City Council with regard to energy policy. R. W. Beck provided consulting support for the technical energy advisory committee that included citizens,staff, and local industry representatives. The consulting services helped the City formulate a strategic direction with regard to energy policy, contributing to energy solutions that assist their customers to address the statewide energy dilemma, and to provide the best energy environment for the citizens and businesses in Chino. As part of this engagement,R.W.Beck performed an analysis of the potential for spot municipalization. The findings of the draft report concluded that spot municipalization would be marginally attractive only if the City or its customers had no obligation for non-bypassable charges. R.W. Beck recommended that the City follow legislation and regulation as it affects these charges to determine whether a more in-depth analysis of spot municipalization would be justified. Under the current assumptions regarding Southern California Edison Company(SCE)rates,projected operating costs,non-bypassable charges and economic assumptions,spot municipalization did not appear beneficial to potential customers in the new development area. Energy Policy Development East Bay Municipal Utility District,Oakland,California R.W. Beck provided a variety of services necessary to the development of short-and long-term energy strategies for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Business plans included review of new generation at major new loads. Activities included assistance with public participation in workshops and energy forums. EBMUD decided to move forward with the facilitation of renewable resources but determined not to pursue the municipalization of the electric distribution system. ' Utility Litigation Support: Contract Valuation State of California,Department of Justice/Sacramento,California The California Attorney General hired R.W.Beck to assist the State in the valuation of Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric block forward market electricity contracts that were seized by Governor Gray Davis when the California Power Exchange was about to liquidate the contracts. tR.W. Beck,Inc. 7 KENNETH J.MELLOR, PE Imperial Irrigation District, Imperial, California • Bond Financing Assistance • Planning ' Modesto Irrigation District, Modesto, California • Independent Engineer—Pipeline Water Treatment Plant Financing ' San Juan Water District, Granite Bay, California • Organization Assessment • Governance Study Friant Power Authority ■ Independent Engineer on Bond Financing ' East Bay Municipal Utility District, Oakland, California ■ Planning • Power Supply Analyses j Washoe County, Nevada • Water Supply Development and Feasibility Analysis Workshops and Presentations Mr. Mellor has given numerous presentations and participated in training and workshops in several states. These activities have focused on electric industry restructuring and competitive initiatives. I I I I i I I R.W.Beck,Inc. 9 Michael A. Bell ' Michael Bell is a Principal and Senior Director of Client Services at Harvard University R.W. Beck. He has more than 20 years of technical and managerial Program for Senior Executives experience in the utility industry. Mr. Bell manages the firm's in State and Local Government engineering, design,and management consulting services for electric, Pepperdine University water, wastewater, solid waste, and management advisory practices in Masters of Business Administration California. St.Louis University B.S. in Economics Relevant Expertise Management Mr. Bell has held administrative or executive management responsibility for electric, water, and telecommunications utility functions, such as rate development and design, customer care,personnel, data processing, security,administrative services,public relations and education, systems and procedures, and accounting. He has also managed financial reporting and forecasting,resource allocation and debt issuance, and restructuring to meet competitive pressures. As manager in charge of R.W. Beck's California practices he oversees such large capital projects as the Freeport Regional Water Project, Moreno-Lakeside Pipeline Projects, and San Diego County Water Authority Desalination Project. ' Finance and Rates Mr.Bell has detailed knowledge of both long-and short-term financing vehicles. He has had lead responsibility for the issuance of numerous debt issues totaling more than $700 million and has acted as pricing decision-maker in more than $8.5 billion in agency financing. He also supervises the preparation and implementation of electric and water rates, department budgets, and financial plans and forecasts. Mr.Bell is currently working on Engineering Reports for the Silicon Valley Power Pico Power Plant,Turlock Irrigation District Water and Energy Center, and a transmission and distribution system financing for the Imperial Irrigation District. ' Expert Witness and Litigation Support Mr.Bell provides expert testimony before various public bodies such as ' city councils, utility boards, and participating organizations in multifaceted business concerns. He is experienced in presenting testimony in various media. E.W.Beck,Inc. t MICHAELA. BELL Energy Services Study San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission/California Mr. Bell was Co-Project Manager on a project for the San Francisco Local Agency Formation ' Commission to complete an Energy Services Study addressing the risks,benefits,and feasibility of various municipal or other public agency options for providing electric and other utility services to the population of the City and County of San Francisco. The study investigated issues associated with rates, reliability, and local control. The team evaluated generation, transmission, distribution,and alternative energy services from a policy and risk perspective. forms of providing gy P Y P P Financing Electric Distribution System Development Merced Irrigation District/California Mr. Bell was Project Manager for the preparation of the Consulting Engineer's Report on the project feasibility.R.W.Beck reviewed the market penetration studies and customer commitment letters inasmuch as the prospective customers are free to choose between their current supplier and Merced's new system. Using the market analysis,R.W.Beck estimated the number of customers, their loads, and retail revenues under Merced rates. R. W. Beck evaluated the economy and reliability of Merced's power supply,Merced's projected electric operations and maintenance expenses. R.W. Beck prepared pro forma financial statements that demonstrated the ability of the Merced system to produce sufficient net revenues to pay current and fixture debt service. Annual Report of Systems Operations Turlock Irrigation District/California Mr. Bell compiled annual operating statistics,reviewed the District's operations, visited the District to observe the condition of its properties, and discussed new projects that improve District operations with District staff.R.W.Beck prepared an Independent Engineering Report for the District discussing and commenting on the operations of the System by the District for the preceding fiscal year,including recommendations for the future operations of the System by the District,as may be deemed necessary or appropriate. ' Franchise Agreements Analysis of SCE Proposed Franchise City of Long Beach,Energy Department,California Mr. Bell assisted the City in the negotiation of a Franchise Agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) Company. R.W. Beck performed an economic analysis of the franchise to compare it to a system ' purchase alternative. The SCE franchise proposals were compared against the benefits of acquiring SCE's distribution facilities in Long Beach. Ultimately the purchase of the system was abandoned and the City successfully entered into a new franchise with added benefits. i ' R.W.Beck,Inc. 3