Water Resources Economics

Promoting the Value and Price of
Water Service

Water Resources Economics

Promoting the Value and Price of
Water Service

Water Solutions

In View

Water Solutions In View

The Water Challenge: Doing More with Less

The Future of Water in Southern California

2012 San Gabriel Valley Water Forum

3 Views on How Drought Impacts Water Utility Finances

Expert Financial Planning and Advising

Water and wastewater rates are intended to provide the revenue required to recover costs. However, maintaining affordable water rates and explaining those rates to stakeholders and customers can become a challenge. Expert rate analysis can help achieve the agency’s strategic goals, while always keeping affordable rates in mind.

Rate Advisor

A well-crafted strategic plan is the cornerstone of a successful water service provider. Achieving strategic and agency goals is only possible with the right budget. Expert financial planning with both the agency and the customer in mind can turn those goals into reality.

Strategic Financial Plans

Input from elected officials and stakeholders always results in better financial planning overall. Workshops with elected officials and stakeholders help facilitate the best financial plan for an agency. These meetings can help organizations work more efficiently and focus on single issues more effectively, in addition to building valuable relationships.

Facilitate Workshops with Elected Officials and Stakeholders

When it comes to water and utility rates, there is a risk of litigation. If that risk becomes a reality, an expert witness on rate analysis and financial planning becomes invaluable. More than 25 years of experience with water rates and rate issues is available for any rate case.

Expert Witness on Rate Cases

The financial interests of an agency require a lot of attention. A responsible and careful representative of those interests assures the agency that their interests will be managed carefully and cared for in all situations.

Represent Agency Financial Interest

Analyzing rate studies and putting that information to use appropriately is a complex task. A third-party review of rate studies helps streamline the financial planning process and ensure that every aspect of the plan has been addressed completely.

Third Party Review of Rate Studies

Decades of Consulting Experience

Mr. Gaur giving a presentation

Sanjay Gaur

Mr. Gaur possesses 25 years of financial and rate consulting experience to water and wastewater utilities. He has provided consulting service to more than 100 different agencies, including some in the Caribbean region. He often provides insight into utility rate and conservation-related matters for various publications, including authoring articles in Journal AWWA (American Water Works Association) and being quoted in various articles in newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times.

He has co-authored several industry guide books, including AWWA’s Manual M1 Principles of Water Rates, Fees and Charges, Seventh Edition, AWWA’s Water Rates, Fees, and the Legal Environment, Second Edition, and Water and Wastewater Finance and Pricing: The Changing Landscape. He is a member of the AWWA’s Rates and Charges Committee. Mr. Gaur was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria. He has an M.S. in Applied Economics from University of California (UC) Santa Cruz and an MPA/ID from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

“An exceptional asset”

“Over the years, Sanjay Gaur has been and continues to be an exceptional asset for my agency. I have collaborated with Sanjay for almost 15 years and have appreciated his original thinking, his preparedness, and his ability to facilitate technical discussions and quickly respond to detailed questions in a clear articulate manner. I first met Sanjay soon after I became Chair of ACWA’s Finance Committee and during my 10 years as Chair, Sanjay’s expertise was a source of support for ACWA members, as he led training sessions at ACWA’s semi-annual conferences.

Sanjay is a strong communicator supported by sharp analytical skills and a solution-focused attitude. His insight has been appreciated by my Board and gained him respect as our ‘go-to’ resource.”

JOSEPH PARKER, Director of Financial Services, Placer County Water Agency

“Comprehensive knowledge”

“I have had several opportunities to work with Sanjay Gaur on utility financial planning over the last eight years, and I greatly appreciate his comprehensive knowledge of utility financial planning and rate-making principles and practices.  He works collaboratively with his clients, understands the difference between analysis and policy decisions, and facilitates effective engagement of utility staff, governing board policy makers and community interests in financial planning and rate-making processes.  Working with Sanjay is a strategy that any agency can use to ‘up their game’ when it comes to the challenging public policy issues many utilities face today.”

ROSEMARY MENARD, Water Director, City of Santa Cruz

“A consummate professional”

“I first worked with Sanjay back in 2007 when he developed a cost allocation plan for our water and sewer enterprises. Since that time, we have used his services for development of enterprise fund reserve policies and for water and sewer rate studies.  Sanjay is the ‘go-to guy’ in Orange County for these kinds of services. He is a consummate professional who is extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. I have seen Sanjay make numerous presentations and I have always been impressed by his skills as a public speaker. Sanjay is politically savvy and realizes the local government environment we have to work in. I highly recommend him.”

KEN DILLS, Administrative Services Manager-Public Works, City of Huntington Beach

“Proven industry insight”

“For more than a decade Sanjay has provided wisdom to our agency in the formulation of water rates and capacity charge policies. His intelligence, personable character, and proven industry insight have benefitted us greatly.”

KEVIN MASCARO, Assistant General Manager/CFO, Western Municipal Water District

“Key to our success”

“Sanjay played a critical role in getting our District on a solid financial footing through development of our financial plan and a 5-year rate increase strategy. His ability to explain the District’s financial needs to both our governing Board as well as a very engaged public was key to our successful implementation of a sustainable financial program.”

JACK BEBEE, General Manager, Fallbrook Public Utility District

“A critical team player”

“I have known Sanjay Gaur for over 15 years. As the General Manager of Western MWD, he assisted the District with developing a water budget rate structure, which was successfully implemented. We transitioned from a uniform rate to a detailed water budget, which is data intensive, required a new billing system, and significant coordination within the agency, with the Board and the District’s stakeholders. Mr. Gaur was a critical team player and contributed greatly to the success of the program. Lastly, Mr. Gaur has assisted numerous agencies in implementing rate structures that meet the Proposition 218 requirements and successfully withstand court challenges. I appreciate the foresight and rigor he brings to his work.”

JOHN ROSSI, Former General Manager, Western Municipal Water District

“Creative solutions to solve even the most complex financial situation”

“Sanjay Gaur has a unique ability to take complex financial data and present it in a way that the data is understandable to elected officials, agency staff and the public. He tells you what you need to hear financially and presents creative solutions to solve even the most complex financial situation.”

KEVIN HUNT, Former General Manager, Municipal Water District of Orange County and Central Basin Municipal Water District

“Robust financial planning”

“I have worked with Sanjay for almost 10 years. He has assisted the City in developing financial plans, cost of service and associated rates every two years. His insight on both the technical and policy aspects has fostered the development of the appropriate rate structure for our community. The robust financial planning has greatly assisted us in having minimal political outcry on rate adoption. Lastly, he has worked with staff in conducting City Council presentations, which are highly receptive by City Council and the public.”

CLIFF FINLEY, Director of Public Works, City of Thousand Oaks

“Achieving your organization’s goals and objectives”

“Having worked with Sanjay a number of times, I can say that he is a great companion on the journey of achieving your organization’s goals and objectives while keeping Proposition 218 requirements in mind. If you aren’t sure what you want, he’ll walk you through alternatives and be clear about pros and cons. If you know where you want to go, he will make sure you get there.”

SOPHIA SKODA, Finance Director, East Bay Municipal Utility District

Testimonials

“An exceptional asset”

“Over the years, Sanjay Gaur has been and continues to be an exceptional asset for my agency. I have collaborated with Sanjay for almost 15 years and have appreciated his original thinking, his preparedness, and his ability to facilitate technical discussions and quickly respond to detailed questions in a clear articulate manner. I first met Sanjay soon after I became Chair of ACWA’s Finance Committee and during my 10 years as Chair, Sanjay’s expertise was a source of support for ACWA members, as he led training sessions at ACWA’s semi-annual conferences.

Sanjay is a strong communicator supported by sharp analytical skills and a solution-focused attitude. His insight has been appreciated by my Board and gained him respect as our ‘go-to’ resource.”

“Comprehensive knowledge”

“I have had several opportunities to work with Sanjay Gaur on utility financial planning over the last eight years, and I greatly appreciate his comprehensive knowledge of utility financial planning and rate-making principles and practices.  He works collaboratively with his clients, understands the difference between analysis and policy decisions, and facilitates effective engagement of utility staff, governing board policy makers and community interests in financial planning and rate-making processes.  Working with Sanjay is a strategy that any agency can use to ‘up their game’ when it comes to the challenging public policy issues many utilities face today.”

“A consummate professional”

“I first worked with Sanjay back in 2007 when he developed a cost allocation plan for our water and sewer enterprises. Since that time, we have used his services for development of enterprise fund reserve policies and for water and sewer rate studies.  Sanjay is the ‘go-to guy’ in Orange County for these kinds of services. He is a consummate professional who is extremely knowledgeable and easy to work with. I have seen Sanjay make numerous presentations and I have always been impressed by his skills as a public speaker. Sanjay is politically savvy and realizes the local government environment we have to work in. I highly recommend him.”

“Proven industry insight”

“For more than a decade Sanjay has provided wisdom to our agency in the formulation of water rates and capacity charge policies. His intelligence, personable character, and proven industry insight have benefitted us greatly.”

“Key to our success”

“Sanjay played a critical role in getting our District on a solid financial footing through development of our financial plan and a 5-year rate increase strategy. His ability to explain the District’s financial needs to both our governing Board as well as a very engaged public was key to our successful implementation of a sustainable financial program.”

“A critical team player”

“I have known Sanjay Gaur for over 15 years. As the General Manager of Western MWD, he assisted the District with developing a water budget rate structure, which was successfully implemented. We transitioned from a uniform rate to a detailed water budget, which is data intensive, required a new billing system, and significant coordination within the agency, with the Board and the District’s stakeholders. Mr. Gaur was a critical team player and contributed greatly to the success of the program. Lastly, Mr. Gaur has assisted numerous agencies in implementing rate structures that meet the Proposition 218 requirements and successfully withstand court challenges. I appreciate the foresight and rigor he brings to his work.”

“Creative solutions to solve even the most complex financial situation”

“Sanjay Gaur has a unique ability to take complex financial data and present it in a way that the data is understandable to elected officials, agency staff and the public. He tells you what you need to hear financially and presents creative solutions to solve even the most complex financial situation.”

“Robust financial planning”

“I have worked with Sanjay for almost 10 years. He has assisted the City in developing financial plans, cost of service and associated rates every two years. His insight on both the technical and policy aspects has fostered the development of the appropriate rate structure for our community. The robust financial planning has greatly assisted us in having minimal political outcry on rate adoption. Lastly, he has worked with staff in conducting City Council presentations, which are highly receptive by City Council and the public.”

“Achieving your organization’s goals and objectives”

“Having worked with Sanjay a number of times, I can say that he is a great companion on the journey of achieving your organization’s goals and objectives while keeping Proposition 218 requirements in mind. If you aren’t sure what you want, he’ll walk you through alternatives and be clear about pros and cons. If you know where you want to go, he will make sure you get there.”

Click Here to View Recent Successes

Publications

Wittern, M., Gaur, S., “Protecting Against Water Rate Challenges With the Equivalent of Bear Spray,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2022, Volume 114, Issue 2

Harmon, K., Mukherjee, M., Gaur, S., Atwater D., “Evaluating Water Saving from Budget-Based Tiered Rates in Orange County, California,” Water Economics and Policy, 2021, Volume 07, No. 2, 2150007.

Gaur, S., Smith, V., Kostiuk, K., “Mandates and Messaging: How Californians Responded to the State’s Historic Drought,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2019, Volume 111, Number 3.

Gaur, S., Magu, D. “California Water Rate Trends: Maintaining Affordable Rates in a Volatile Environment,” Journal – American Water Works Association, September 2017, Volume 109, Number 9.

Contributing author to “M1 Principles of Water Rates, Fees and Charges,” Seventh Edition, American Water Works Association, 2017.

Gaur, S., Giardina, R.D., Kiger, M.H., Zieburtz, W., “Committee Report: Ripples from the San Juan Capistrano Decision,” Journal – American Water Works Association, September 2016, Volume 108, Number 9.

Gaur, S., Alikhan, A., Kostiuk, K., “The Drought is over – Now is the time to develop drought rates,” CSMFO Magazine, July 1, 2016.

Gaur, S., Alikhan, A., Crea, J., “Developing Drought Rates: Why Agencies Should Prepare for a Not-So-Rainy Day,” January 2016, Volume 108, Number 1.

Gaur, S., Isaac, Habib, “There’s Opportunity in the San Juan Capistrano Rates Decision,” Source California-Nevada Section AWWA, Fall 2015, Volume 29, Number 4.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., “California Water Rate Trends,” Journal – American Water Works Association, January 2015, Volume 107, Number 1

Contributing author to “Water and Wastewater Finance and Pricing: The Changing Landscape,” 4th Edition, 2015, CRC Press, Editor: George Raftelis.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., Cruz, J., “Why do Water Agencies need Reserves?” Journal – American Water Works Association, November 2014, Volume 106, Number 11.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., Lee, J., “Conservation Rates Offer Options,” CA/NV Section of American Water Works Association, Spring 2014, Volume 28, Number 2.

Gaur, S., Lim, B., Phan, K., “California Water Rate Trends,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2013, Volume 105, Number 3.

Contributing Author to “Water Rates, Fees and the Legal Environment,” Second Edition, American Water Works Association, 2010 Editor: C.(Kees) W. Corssmit.

Hildebrand, M. Gaur, S. and Salt, K. “Water Conservation Made Legal: Water Budgets and California Law,” Journal of American Water Works, 101:4 April 2009, p.85-89.

Gaur, S. “Policy Objectives in Designing Water Rates,” Journal of American Water Works, 99:5 May 2007, p.112- 116.

Gaur, S., “Adelman and Morris Factor Analysis of Developing Countries,” The Journal of Policy Modeling, Vol. 19, Issue 4, pp. 407-415, August 1997.

Publications

Wittern, M., Gaur, S., “Protecting Against Water Rate Challenges With the Equivalent of Bear Spray,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2022, Volume 114, Issue 2

Harmon, K., Mukherjee, M., Gaur, S., Atwater D., “Evaluating Water Saving from Budget-Based Tiered Rates in Orange County, California,” Water Economics and Policy, 2021, Volume 07, No. 2, 2150007.

Gaur, S., Smith, V., Kostiuk, K., “Mandates and Messaging: How Californians Responded to the State’s Historic Drought,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2019, Volume 111, Number 3.

Gaur, S., Magu, D. “California Water Rate Trends: Maintaining Affordable Rates in a Volatile Environment,” Journal – American Water Works Association, September 2017, Volume 109, Number 9.

Contributing author to “M1 Principles of Water Rates, Fees and Charges,” Seventh Edition, American Water Works Association, 2017.

Gaur, S., Giardina, R.D., Kiger, M.H., Zieburtz, W., “Committee Report: Ripples from the San Juan Capistrano Decision,” Journal – American Water Works Association, September 2016, Volume 108, Number 9.

Gaur, S., Alikhan, A., Kostiuk, K., “The Drought is over – Now is the time to develop drought rates,” CSMFO Magazine, July 1, 2016.

Gaur, S., Alikhan, A., Crea, J., “Developing Drought Rates: Why Agencies Should Prepare for a Not-So-Rainy Day,” January 2016, Volume 108, Number 1.

Gaur, S., Isaac, Habib, “There’s Opportunity in the San Juan Capistrano Rates Decision,” Source California-Nevada Section AWWA, Fall 2015, Volume 29, Number 4.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., “California Water Rate Trends,” Journal – American Water Works Association, January 2015, Volume 107, Number 1

Contributing author to “Water and Wastewater Finance and Pricing: The Changing Landscape,” 4th Edition, 2015, CRC Press, Editor: George Raftelis.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., Cruz, J., “Why do Water Agencies need Reserves?” Journal – American Water Works Association, November 2014, Volume 106, Number 11.

Gaur, S., Atwater, D., Lee, J., “Conservation Rates Offer Options,” CA/NV Section of American Water Works Association, Spring 2014, Volume 28, Number 2.

Gaur, S., Lim, B., Phan, K., “California Water Rate Trends,” Journal – American Water Works Association, March 2013, Volume 105, Number 3.

Contributing Author to “Water Rates, Fees and the Legal Environment,” Second Edition, American Water Works Association, 2010 Editor: C.(Kees) W. Corssmit.

Hildebrand, M. Gaur, S. and Salt, K. “Water Conservation Made Legal: Water Budgets and California Law,” Journal of American Water Works, 101:4 April 2009, p.85-89.

Gaur, S. “Policy Objectives in Designing Water Rates,” Journal of American Water Works, 99:5 May 2007, p.112- 116.

Gaur, S., “Adelman and Morris Factor Analysis of Developing Countries,” The Journal of Policy Modeling, Vol. 19, Issue 4, pp. 407-415, August 1997.

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