AWWA ACE99438

This paper highlights the Philadelphia Water Department's (PWD) experience with ten competitive tactics that have been responsible for more than half of the utility's financial progress from 1995 to the present (a period during which the PWD increased its reserves by over $100 million without any increase in rates). These bottom line tactics include: manage debt strategically; manage cash and investments professionally; maximize grants; review customer discount structures; reduce energy rates and usage; consider outsourcing where appropriate; improve the structure for employee benefits; promote workforce and public safety; expand regional partnerships to maximize system assets; and, find and capture "found money".