Q: Why is the City of Corona proposing new rates and rate structures for water and sewer services?
A: The City of Corona is proposing rate changes to its electricity, water and sewer services through a Proposition 218 Public Hearing process. Rate adjustments are being considered to support resilient infrastructure, avoid unplanned service interruptions, and ensure the City can continue to provide first-rate utilities to its families and businesses.
Q: How would new rates impact my bill?
A: If rate adjustments are approved, most residential customers would see an increase in their water bill and a slight decrease in sewer in the next year. The new proposed water rate structure also refines billing tiers, making customer utility bills simpler to understand and more accessible. The sewer rate change increases customer equity by reducing residential rates. Residential customers will see a 14- cent per month decrease in 2025. To learn how these rate adjustments may affect your household or business, use our bill estimator at CoronaCA. gov/rates.
Q: When would the new rates start? Will rates increase every year?
A: If adopted, the proposed rates will become effective January 3, 2025, and scheduled increases would be implemented annually over the next five years.
Q: How do I know the proposed rates are fair?
A: A rate consultant was hired to conduct a Cost of Service Analysis, carefully reviewing all documented service costs and revenue requirements. Changes to the rates were deemed necessary, so the City of Corona Utilities Department initiated a Proposition 218 Public Hearing process.
Q: How are water rates calculated?
A: Budget-based rates treat your water budget as a series of buckets available for efficient use all month.
The indoor water budget is calculated by the number of people in the household with an allocation of 47 gallons of water per person per day.
The outdoor water budget is calculated by the amount of irrigated square footage per parcel, the average daily plant water loss (“evapotranspiration”), and the outdoor efficiency factor that reflects the water needs of local native plants to City of Corona’s service area.
Above that water budget, inefficient and excessive water use will cost customers more, because it costs the City of Corona more to secure this additional water supply.
Q: What is a ready-to-serve charge?
A: A monthly fixed ready-to-serve charge covers our fixed costs of providing water and reclaimed water. All users connected to the City’s water system pay the charge, whether any water is used. Fixed costs include:
- Debt
- Regulatory compliance
- Providing fire flow
- Customer service
- Utility billing
- Personnel
- Preventive maintenance
Sewer service also includes a monthly fixed charge for all customers.
Q: What is a commodity charge?
A: Your water bill includes variable charges based on water usage. The variable water rate is determined by the number of units of water delivered to a property. These units are organized into four tiers that impose higher rates as water use increases. Your reclaimed water bill also includes variable charges based on water usage. The proposed variable reclaimed water rate is established by the number of units of water delivered to a property and consists of two tiers: Outdoor (Efficient) and Excess. Non-residential sewer customers will see variable charges that fund their fair share of the costs of sewer utility service.
Q: What about my meter?
A: The Utilities Department is currently procuring and installing Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and a customer portal that will allow customers to view their usage in real time and set up alerts for leaks and high usage. This project is in progress and will take 2 years to complete.
Q: How can I lower my water bill?
A: The Corona Utilities Department offers ongoing programs and rebates to help residents and businesses save resources and money, including turf replacement, California-friendly gardening guidance and money back for water-efficient devices. Call our Water Resources team at 951-736-2234 for more information on water conservation. Visit www.SoCalWaterSmart.com for additional rebate opportunities.
Q: What if I need support paying my bill?
A: The City offers a Customer Assistance Program to income-qualified customers. The program provides a 20% discount on fixed charges. For more information, contact Customer Care at 951-736-2321.
Q: Where can I get more information about the proposed rate changes?
A: Attend the upcoming community meetings to ask questions and offer constructive feedback. Meetings are held at Corona City Hall, 400 South Vicentia Ave, Corona.
- Saturday, November 2, 2024, 2 p.m.
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m
Q: How do I protest the proposed rate changes?
A: Members of the public are welcome to attend the public hearing regarding the proposed rate changes. Corona City Hall, 400 South Vicentia Ave, Corona.
- Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 6:30 p.m.
The property owners and/or account holders may submit written protests by mail or by delivering in-person to The City of Corona, Attention: City Clerk, 400 South Vicentia Ave, Suite 115, Corona, CA 92882; provided, however, only one protest will be counted for each identified parcel. Protests may also be sent via email to Prop218@ coronaca.gov.
