Tennessee American Water has submitted its 2019 list of capital infrastructure projects and associated costs to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission. The capital plan is submitted annually to TPUC for approval.
Tennessee American Water has proposed that the project costs be offset by income tax savings resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would result in passing these savings on to Tennessee American Water customers.
“Our investments are focused on making sure we continue to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water that meets our community’s needs,” said Tennessee American Water President Val Armstrong.
“According to the latest report card issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers, our state’s drinking water systems received a grade of ‘C,’” added Armstrong. “The report indicates that the state of Tennessee needs to spend $2.7 billion over the next 20 years to maintain its drinking water infrastructure.
Infrastructure capital projects planned for 2019 total over $20 million and include construction of a new basin to replace an existing basin built in 1892. The replacement will allow Tennessee American Water to clean water more quickly and efficiently.
Capital projects also include a new facility, scheduled for completion in 2019, which will enhance the company’s disinfection treatment process.
The filing will be effective Jan. 1, 2019 and would represent a 4.57 percent increase to all water charges. However, Tennessee American Water is proposing that additional savings from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act be used to offset the increase so customers would see no change from their current bill.