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Affordability and Equity Considerations for Rate‐Setting
Author(s) -
Rothstein Eric,
Berahzer Stacey Isaac,
Crea Joe,
Matichich Michael
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/awwa.1766
Subject(s) - expansive , equity (law) , commodity , business , service (business) , water industry , environmental economics , marketing , public economics , economics , natural resource economics , finance , water supply , engineering , environmental engineering , political science , materials science , compressive strength , law , composite material
Key Takeaways Historically narrow definitions of water service as provision of a metered commodity do not encompass the extent to which all people benefit from access to safe, reliable water. A more expansive definition of water service is warranted. Water utilities are major economic actors and can—and should—play a role in making water universally accessible and affordable in their communities. The industry's existing cost‐of‐service analysis methods for rate‐setting may be tailored to better advance water affordability and equity.