AWWA JAW11138

Some water utilities are using or considering the use of seasonal rates as a means of reducing peak-hour and peak-day demands, conserving water supplies, or better matching revenues with costs. The wintersummer form of seasonal rate is easier to administer than the summer excess rate, but it is not as effective in recovering costs or in changing consumption. The inverted rate penalizes large customers who may have favorable annual consumption patterns. If it is to be successful, a seasonal rate program must be carefully planned, with adequate time allowed for customer education and for development of administrative and computer procedures.