5.2 ERMUSR 11-09-2021UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Melissa Karpinski –Finance Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
November 9, 2021 5.2
SUBJECT:
2022 Annual Business Plan: Rates and Review, Stakeholder Communication
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
In preparation for budget approval in December, staff continues to work through the 2022
budget process. Based on the wholesale power rate increase and projected expense increases
and capital expenditures, a preliminary balanced budget and rates have been drafted.
Attached is the following information for your review. Additional budget detail is available
upon request. Please contact staff for additional information.
1.Electric Department Expense Budget – The 2022 forecast for electric expenses are an
8.1% increase over the current year budget. Wholesale power costs make up 68% ofthe
operating budget. Our increase from MMPA is about a 14% increaseover 2021(more
background information will be discussed at the meeting). Without wholesale power
costs, electric expenses are only a 2.3% increaseover the current year budget. Most
notable increases are purchase power, interest expense on bonds, tree trimming, and
administrative expense due to the addition of an inventory assistant person and the
new General Manager for a partial year.
The budgeted Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) amount for 2022 is $1.718million. The
PILOT is comprised of $1.488million with the 4% of Elk River City’s sales calculation, and
$230,000in donated utilities and labor.
Currentlythere is a 5% rate increase proposed. There will more than likely also be a
Power Cost Adjustment (PCA)passed onto our customers throughout 2022.
2.Water Department Expense Budget – The 2022 forecast for water expenses are a 4.5%
increaseover the current year budget. Most notable increases are maintenance of
water mains, interest expense on bonds, and administrative expense due to the addition
of a new General Manager for a partial year.
Currentlythere is a 2.5% rateincrease proposed.
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Staff would like to discuss with the commission the communication plan to the customers for
rates, etc.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Summary of 2022 Budgets
Proposed 2022 Electric Revenue and Expense Budget
Proposed 2022 WaterRevenue and Expense Budget
Proposed 2022 Electric Capital Budget
Proposed 2022 Water Capital Budget
Proposed 2022 Administration and Technical Services Capital Budgets
Proposed 2022 Conservation Improvement Program Budget Summary
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