Description: Setting water and wastewater rates is more than just math — it’s about building systems that are sustainable, equitable, and resilient. This training provides a comprehensive guide to developing equitable, financially sustainable, and defendable water and wastewater user rates. Participants will explore key principles, methodologies, and best practices for setting rates that balance cost recovery, affordability, and long-term infrastructure investment.

The session will cover:

• Fundamentals of Rate Setting – Understanding the purpose and structure of water and wastewater rates, including cost-of-service principles.
• Financial Considerations – Analyzing operational costs, capital improvement needs, and reserve requirements to ensure financial sustainability.
• Rate Design Strategies – Exploring different rate structures, such as fixed vs. variable charges, tiered pricing, and conservation-based models.
• Affordability and Equity – Addressing ratepayer impacts, low-income assistance programs, and balancing fairness across customer classes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Utilizing consumption trends, demand projections, and economic analysis to support rate-setting decisions.

Through interactive discussions, and real-world applications, participants will gain the skills necessary to develop and communicate effective rate-setting strategies that ensure utility sustainability while maintaining public trust.

Trainer: Ashley Lucht, Director, Community Finance Team, Quantified Ventures

TCHs: This training is approved for 2.5 TCHs for VT Wastewater Operators and is pending approval for Drinking Water Operators, although we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide all attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for their personal record.

Who Should Attend: