Working on my first water bill audit up here in Anchorage and I'm struggling with AWU (Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility) rate structures. Their commercial rates seem to have some unique seasonal adjustments I haven't seen elsewhere. Anyone have experience with Alaska water utilities? The client's bills are showing huge spikes in winter months that don't correlate with usage.
Alaska water utilities - anyone familiar with AWU rate structures?
Patty, I don't have Alaska experience but here in Montana we see similar winter adjustments with some utilities. Could be freeze protection surcharges or infrastructure maintenance fees that kick in during cold months. Have you compared their tariff schedule line by line against the actual bills? Sometimes these northern utilities have seasonal demand charges that aren't clearly labeled.
Alaska utilities are definitely unique. I haven't worked with AWU specifically but dealt with some rural Alaska electric coops that had similar seasonal adjustments. Roy's right about checking for freeze protection fees - that could easily explain winter spikes. Also check if they're on a budget billing plan that true-ups annually, that can create confusing seasonal variations.