Putting the Public in Policy: Public Involvement in Rate Restructuring

It has almost become second nature to include some form of public involvement in the rate-setting process. For some it is a token attempt to “include” the public; perhaps not truly needed (or desired) given local considerations and politics. For others, like Salt Lake City, the significance of the desired change (in rate structure and water use) was such that the need for public involvement was sincere and recognized as being crucial to the success of the project. This paper will outline the process used by the City that resulted in the implementation of radically different rate approach for its customers and the lessons learned in the process.