As rates increase, educating consumers on the true value of water can act as a “shock” absorber, according to “Avoiding Rate Shock: Making the Case for Water Rates”, a study sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Utility Council. The study found that although consumers get upset over rate increases because of misunderstandings about the true value of a safe, adequate supply of water, a consistent, structured communications strategy helps build support for rate increases.
To build customer relationships, utilities should proactively leverage Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data to educate customers on their water usage, especially in terms of rates and the importance of water conservation. Read More