Biographie de la conférencière : Janice Beecher, Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University
Professeure Janice Beecher a servi comme directrice de l'Institut des services publics à l'Université d'État du Michigan depuis 2002, apportant plus de trente ans d'expérience de recherche appliquée à cette position. Elle est auteur, conférencière, participante à des forums professionnels et elle est aussi rédactrice en chef de la politique des services publics. Elle a récemment co-écrit le livre, Principes du risque pour les organismes de réglementation des services publics (MSU Press). Spécialisée dans le secteur de l'eau, ses domaines d'intérêt incluent la gouvernance réglementaire, la politique et les prix. Elle oeuvre actuellement à la Commission de l'infrastructure du 21e siècle du Michigan. Auparavant, elle a occupé des postes pour l'État de l'Ohio et au sein d'universités de l'Indiana et la Commission du commerce de l'Illinois. Elle a un doctorat en sciences politiques de Northwestern University.
Résumé de la conférence
In the context of the Quebec Water Efficiency Strategy, Prof. Janice Beecher will share her experience with regard to water pricing in the United States. Water prices have risen dramatically in the U.S. due to a combination of rising infrastructure costs and declining usage. For some systems, limits to water availability also drive costs. In the U.S., the water sector is dominated by public ownership and most systems are not subject to state economic regulation. Nonetheless, as in the energy sector, enterprise organization and cost-based pricing are encouraged to promote financial and environmental sustainability. Sustainable water utilities spend to an optimal service level (compliant with all standards) and price to that expenditures; that is, transfers and subsidies are minimized. Larger water utilities tend to follow relatively similar accounting and ratemaking practices. Utilities first develop their revenues requirements based on the cost of service for a rate test year; then they allocate costs to types of usage and design rates. Customers are divided into residential, commercial, industrial, and other classes. Water metering is encouraged so that rates can be cost reflective. Utility ratemaking in the US follows a variety of well established and generally accepted principles and practices. However, pricing is also goal-oriented and takes place within a political context. In particular, ratemaking for sustainability involves a balanced consideration of economic, ecological, and equity tolerances. Rate regressiveness and water affordability are growing challenges calling for rate and public policy solutions.