Global Water Resources files settlement with Arizona regulator

Global Water Resources filed a settlement agreement with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) addressing rate cases for two subsidiaries: Global Water – Santa Cruz Water Company and Global Water – Palo Verde Utilities Company. Under the agreement, GW-Santa Cruz will receive an annual revenue requirement increase of approximately $2.3 million with a rate base of $63.6 million, a capital structure of 55% common equity and 45% debt, and a 9.6% return on equity, with new rates requested to take effect on November 1, 2026. The median water customer using 5,500 gallons per month would see a bill increase of $2.68.

The settlement calls for withdrawal of the GW-Palo Verde rate case, with the company agreeing to refile its rate application in 2027 using a 2026 test year. GW-Palo Verde will seek to increase the temporary bill credit for customers by approximately $0.4 million annually until the next rate case is resolved, with the increase expected to coincide with the GW-Santa Cruz rate implementation. An administrative law judge hearing is scheduled for August 2026, followed by a recommended opinion and order for the Commission’s consideration.

The company operates 39 water, wastewater, and recycled water systems, primarily in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson. In related financial updates, Global Water Resources declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.02533 per common share, equivalent to an annual rate of $0.30396 per share, payable on March 31, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 17, 2026.

(Source：Investing Nigeria)