Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Infrastructure And Conservation Adjustment (WICA) Charge

Q: What is WICA?

Q: How is the WICA charge applied to customers’ bills?

Q: How much will the WICA change my bill? 

Q: When will the charges appear on my bill?

Q: Will the WICA charge always be on my bill? 

Q: How will customers benefit from the WICA program?

Q: What is WICA?

A: A Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment (WICA) is an interim rate adjustment that covers the costs of replacing existing water system infrastructure. These small, semi-annual adjustments will improve service to customers and lessen the impact on customers’ rates.

Q: How is the WICA charge applied to customers’ bills?

A: The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) reviews completed projects and their costs before a WICA charge is reflected on customers’ bills. The WICA charge may be adjusted semi-annually and the increase would be applied to the total bill of each customer.

Q: How much will the WICA change my bill?

A:  The first WICA charge was 0.95% effective July 1, 2009.  While the actual amount will be calculated as a percentage of each customer’s bill, a typical cusotmer would see an increase of less than 50 cents per month, or about $1.50 per quarter, as each adjustment is applied.

The maximum surcharge allowed by the law is 5% per year or a maximum of 7.5% between general rate case filings.  However, Connecticut Water anticipates our WICA projects will represent an increase of 2 to 3% per year. 

Q: When will the charges appear on my bill?

A: The WICA charge may be included on water bills as approved eligible infrastructure projects are completed and in service for the benefit of customers.   The first charge was applied to bills as of July 1, 2009, and the second charge became effective on January 1, 2010.  

Q: Will the WICA charge always be on my bill?

A: There will be a separate line item on customers’ bills when there is a WICA charge. The current charge of 2.10 percent has been folded into your base rate as of July 14, 2010.  Any future WICA charges will be shown as a separate line on customers' bills as WICA eligible projects are completed and approved by the DPUC.  

Q: How do customers benefit from the WICA program?

A: The WICA charge enables Connecticut Water to accelerate the replacement of aging water system infrastructure and sustain valuable water resources. It will ensure future generations of customers continue to have reliable water service. In addition, these infrastructure investments support economic development and create jobs.

Connecticut Water’s $12.5 million pipeline replacement program for 2009 will create 157 new construction and support jobs in Connecticut, according to an analysis by Dr. Stan McMillen, Managing Economist, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.