Item 1A.Risk Factors
Investors should carefully consider the following risk factors and warnings before making an investment decision. The risks described below are not the only ones facing SJW Group and its subsidiaries. Additional risks that SJW Group and its subsidiaries does not yet know of or that it currently thinks are immaterial may also impair its business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, SJW Group and its subsidiaries’ business, operating results or financial condition could be materially affected. In such case, the trading price of SJW Group’s common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Investors should also refer to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Risks Relating To Regulatory and Legal Matters
Our business is regulated and may be adversely affected by changes to the regulatory environment.
Our Water Utility Services are regulated public utilities. The operating revenue of SJWC, Connecticut Water, CLWSC and Maine Water is generated primarily from the sale of water at rates authorized by the CPUC, PURA, PUCT and MPUC (the “Regulators”). The Regulators set rates that are intended to provide revenues sufficient to recover normal operating expenses, provide funds for replacement of water infrastructure and produce a fair and reasonable return on stockholder common equity. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, “Regulation and Rates” for a discussion of the most recent regulatory proceedings affecting the rates of our regulated operations. Consequently, our revenue and operating results depend substantially upon the rates the Regulators authorize.
In our applications for rate approvals, we rely upon estimates and forecasts to propose rates for approval by the Regulators. No assurance can be given that our estimates and forecasts will be accurate or that the Regulators will agree with our estimates and forecasts and approve our proposed rates. To the extent our authorized rates may be too low, revenues may be insufficient to cover Water Utility Services’ operating expenses, capital requirements and SJW Group’s historical dividend rate. In addition, delays in approving rate increases may negatively affect our operating results and operating cash flows.
In addition, policies and regulations promulgated by the Regulators govern the recovery of capital expenditures, the treatment of gains from the sale of real utility property, the offset of production and operating costs, the recovery of the cost of debt, the optimal equity structure, and the financial and operational flexibility to engage in non-tariffed operations. If the regulators implement policies and regulations that will not allow SJWC, Connecticut Water, CLWSC and Maine Water to accomplish some or all of the items listed above, Water Utility Services’ future operating results may be adversely affected. Further, from time to time, the commissioners at the Regulators may change. Such changes could lead to changes in policies and regulations and there can be no assurance that the resulting changes in policies and regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
If the CPUC disagrees with our calculation of SJWC’s memorandum and balancing accounts, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations. Under a 2007 Connecticut law, PURA authorizes regulated water companies to use a rate adjustment mechanism, known as WICA, for eligible projects completed and in service for the benefit of the customers. Maine legislature enacted a law that allows Maine Water expedited recovery of investments in water systems infrastructure replacement, both treatment and distribution, through WISC, similar to WICA in Connecticut. Maine Water began to use the WISC during 2014. There is no guarantee that these regulatory authorities will approve our applications
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to recover all or a portion of our capital expenditure or infrastructure investment through such rate adjustment mechanisms, and their failure to do so will adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
Recovery of regulatory assets is subject to adjustment by regulatory agencies and could impact the operating results of Water Utility Services.
Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by FASB ASC Topic 980—“Regulated Operations.” In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services record deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recovered in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits were incurred. Please refer to Note 3 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a summary of net regulatory assets. If the assessment of the probability of recovery in the ratemaking process is incorrect and the applicable ratemaking body determines that a deferred cost is not recoverable through future rate increases, the regulatory assets or liabilities would need to be adjusted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Streamflow regulations in Connecticut could potentially impact our ability to serve our customers.
In December 2011, regulations concerning the flow of water in Connecticut’s rivers and streams were adopted. As promulgated, the regulations require that certain downstream releases be made from seven of Connecticut Water’s eighteen active reservoirs no later than ten years following the adoption of stream classifications by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). Currently, downstream releases are made at two locations. No groundwater supply wells are affected by the regulations.
DEEP has finalized stream classifications in all areas of Connecticut where Connecticut Water maintains and operates sources of supply. The Company remains engaged in the process in order to minimize impact to our available water supply. Although modified from prior versions, the regulations still have the potential to lower our safe yield, raise our capital and operating expenses and adversely affect our revenues and earnings. Although costs associated with the regulations may be recovered in the form of higher rates and Connecticut law allows for a WICA surcharge to recover capital improvement costs necessary to achieve compliance with the regulations, there can be no assurance PURA would approve rate increases to enable us to recover all such costs and surcharges.
Water Utility Services is subject to litigation risks concerning water quality and contamination.
Although Water Utility Services is not a party to any environmental and product-related lawsuits, there is no guarantee that such lawsuits will not occur in the future. Any environmental or product-related lawsuit, may require us to incur significant legal costs and we may not be able to recover the legal costs from ratepayers or other third parties. Although Water Utility Services has liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage, pollution liability is excluded from this coverage and our excess liability coverage. Pollution liability coverage is in place for the majority of the SJW Group locations and operations, but is subject to exclusions and limitations. In addition, any complaints or lawsuits against us based on water quality and contamination may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and trading price of our common stock.
Water Utility Services is subject to possible litigation or regulatory enforcement action concerning water discharges to Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”).
Regulatory actions and fines related to discharges of water to WOTUS against other water utilities have increased in frequency in recent years. If Water Utility Services is subject to a litigation or regulatory enforcement action, it might incur significant costs in fines and restoration efforts, and it is uncertain whether Water Utility Services would be able to recover some or all of such costs from ratepayers or other third parties. In addition, any litigation or regulatory enforcement action against us regarding a water discharge and/or resulting environmental impact may receive negative publicity that can damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.
New or more stringent environmental regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect its business.
Water Utility Services are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies.
New or more stringent environmental and water quality regulations could increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures.
Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA relating to the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates, from time to time, nationally
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applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Additional or more stringent requirements may be adopted by each state. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will be able to continue to comply with all water quality requirements.
Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements in order to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. New or more stringent environmental standards could be imposed that will raise Water Utility Services’ operating costs and capital expenditures, including requirements for increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants, additional procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products, and more comprehensive measures to monitor, reduce or eliminate known or newly identified contaminants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are currently limited regulatory mechanisms and procedures available to us for the recovery of such costs and there can be no assurance that such costs will be fully recovered and failure to do so may adversely affect our operating results.
Climate change laws and regulations have been passed and are being proposed that require compliance with greenhouse gas emissions standards, as well as other climate change initiatives, which could increase Water Utility Services’ operating costs and affect our business.
Climate change is receiving ever increasing attention worldwide. Many scientists, legislators, and others attribute global warming to increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Climate change laws and regulations enacted and proposed limit greenhouse gases emissions from covered entities and require additional monitoring/reporting. We produce a corporate social responsibility report, which provides an overview of our energy usage and greenhouse emissions. At this time, the existing greenhouse gases laws and regulations are not expected to materially harm Water Utility Services’ operations or capital expenditures. While regulation on climate change could change in light of the current federal administration’s agenda, the uncertainty of future climate change regulatory requirements still remains. We cannot predict the potential impact of future laws and regulations on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Although these future expenditures and costs for regulatory compliance may be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the various state utility commissions that govern our business would approve rate increases to enable us to recover such expenditures and costs
We may be at risk for litigation under the principle of inverse condemnation for activities in the normal course of business which have a damaging effect on private property.
Under the California legal doctrine of inverse condemnation, a public utility taking or damaging private property can be responsible to the property owners for compensation, even when damage occurs through no fault or negligence of the utility company and regardless of whether the damage could be foreseen. Based upon existing California case law, SJWC could be sued under the doctrine of inverse condemnation and held liable if its facilities, operations or property, such as mains, fire hydrants, power lines and other equipment, or wildfires in our Santa Cruz mountain watershed result in damage to private property.
A court finding of inverse condemnation does not obligate the CPUC to allow SJWC to recover damage awards or pass on costs to ratepayers. SJWC’s liquidity, earnings, and operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to recover the costs of paying claims for damages caused by the operation and maintenance of our property from customers or through insurance.
Our water utility property and systems are subject to condemnation and other proceedings through eminent domain.
State laws in jurisdictions where we operate, including California, Connecticut, Texas and Maine, allow municipalities, water districts and other public agencies to own and operate water systems. These agencies are empowered to condemn water systems or real property owned by privately owned public utilities in certain circumstances and in compliance with state and federal laws. In general, if a public agency exercises its eminent domain power to take possession of private property, the government is required to pay just compensation to owners of such property. In the event of eminent domain or condemnation proceedings against our water utility property or systems, we may incur substantial attorney’s fees, consultant and expert fees and other costs in considering a challenge to such proceeding and/or its valuation for just compensation, as well as fees and costs in any subsequent litigation if necessary. If the public agency prevailed and acquired our utility property, we would no longer have access to the condemned property or water system, neither would we be entitled to any portion of revenue generated from the use of such asset going forward. Furthermore, if public agencies succeed in acquiring our assets, there is a risk that we will not receive adequate compensation for the assets taken or be able to recover all charges associated with the condemnation of such assets, which may adversely affect our business operations and financial conditions.
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Risks Relating To Business Operations
Our business, financial condition, and results of operations have been and will continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are subject to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, numerous governmental jurisdictions, including the States of California, Connecticut, Maine and Texas where we operate our water utility services, imposed “shelter-in-place” orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar governmental orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Such orders and restrictions resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays in commercial activities, unprecedented and widespread unemployment, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects, thereby negatively impacting our suppliers, employees and customers. Since the start of the second quarter of 2021, there has been increased availability and administration of vaccines against COVID-19, as well as an easing of restrictions on social, business, travel, and government functions, which resulted in gradual resumption of economic and commercial activities. On the other hand, infection rates continue to fluctuate in various regions and new strains of the virus remain a risk, including the Delta and most recently the Omicron variants which has increased the spread and transmission of COVID-19 disease and prompted government agencies to reinstate or impose public health measures and restrictions that were previously lifted. The continuation of such restrictions or reversal of prior orders to ease restrictions will have a negative effect on our business operations and results of operations.
In response to the pandemic, federal and state governments have and may continue to take actions to impose utility termination moratoriums which prohibit water companies from turning off water supplies for nonpayment of water bills. These and other events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the incentive and ability of certain of our residential and commercial customers to pay their water services bills on time, if at all, which could negatively impact our result of operations. Recently, state governments have acted to end existing utility termination moratoriums. In California, the most recent state executive order suspending water service disconnections due to non-payment by customers expired December 31, 2021. However, the CPUC directed that regulated water utilities continue to suspend customer disconnections until February 1, 2022. There are currently no such orders remaining in effect in the other states where we operate on suspending water service disconnections due to non-payment. However, if COVID-19 infection rates rise and health officials recommend more stringent measures to stop spread of the disease, state governments may decide to reverse these actions which may prolong our inability to collect fully water services bills from customers. Furthermore, a significant portion of our revenue is derived from water usage by commercial customers. As many of these customers have suspended, altered or terminated their business operations, their water usage may decline significantly or cease, which could adversely affect our revenue. Even though many of these legal restrictions have been eased and lifted in certain jurisdictions, including California, some of our commercial customers may decide not to open fully or at all due to their ongoing concerns with health and safety of employees at the workplace, in which case their water usage may remain at a lower level and continue to adversely impact our revenue.
The regulators in states we operate have approved mechanisms to either record a regulatory asset or track, in a memorandum account, expenses and savings related to COVID-19. If a state regulator disagrees with our calculation of recorded COVID-19 account balances, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations. While we expect to recover some of the revenue loss and costs through the rate-making processes, there is no guarantee that such recovery will be approved by the regulated utility authorities in a timely manner, or at all.
Recently federal and state governments have issued orders and regulations directing employers to require their employees to be vaccinated as a condition to continuing employment, which may adversely affect our operations. In November 2021, and in response to the order by President Joseph Biden, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) mandating that all employers with more than 100 employees ensure their workers are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or produce a negative COVID test on a weekly basis. However, on January 13, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate holding that OSHA had exceeded its authority. Accordingly, the implementation of such federal vaccine mandate is suspended, but similar state and local mandates may continue to be enforced and implemented. In response to these regulatory developments and the need to protect the health and safety of our employees, we implemented a policy requiring our employees, subject to certain exemptions, to be vaccinated. On January 22, 2022, SJWC received a letter from the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) stating that it would investigate the allegations from the Utility Workers Union of America Local 259 that SJWC failed to bargain in good faith by imposing a COVID vaccine mandate and threatening to terminate noncompliant employees and for, otherwise, failing to bargain over its decision to impose the mandate. SJWC intends to cooperate with the NLRB’s investigation requests for affidavits from SJWC management and relevant documents. These regulatory requirements and company policies may result in increased operating costs, labor disruptions or employee attrition, and if we lose employees, it may be difficult in the current competitive labor market to recruit and hire replacement employees, all of which may have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial conditions.
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In addition to the above risks, we are subject to the following risks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related events:
•if governments impose or reinstate “shelter-in-place” orders and quarantines, our planned infrastructure improvement projects could be temporarily interrupted by supply shortages, lack of sufficient workforce and disruption in transportation. This may negatively impact our ability to maintain and improve our infrastructure and provide reliable services to customers. In addition, our expenditures on capital improvements could be reduced, which may in turn impact rate decisions by state regulators.
•wide-spread COVID-19 disease could impact the health of our employees and management team, which may disrupt our business operations;
•a recession, stock market correction, or debt market disruptions resulting from the spread of COVID-19 could materially affect our business, results of operations, cash flow, and the value of our common stock, which may make it more difficult for us to raise capital in equity or debt markets;
•we may experience higher uncollectible accounts receivables and increased costs from COVID-19 related prevention activities.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread global supply chain disruptions to vendors and suppliers, which may negatively affect our business operations, including delays in procuring materials and supplies that are required for capital additions and operations. The full extent of the future impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance is uncertain and will depend on many factors, many of which are outside our control, including, without limitation the timing, extent, trajectory and duration of the pandemic; the availability, distribution and effectiveness of vaccines; the imposition of protective public safety measures; and the impact of the pandemic on state and local economy and customer behaviors. Any of these factors may continue to adversely affect our business and financial conditions, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to quickly return to our normal operations.
Changes in water supply, water supply costs or the mix of water supply could adversely affect the operating results and business of Water Utility Services.
SJWC’s supply of water primarily relies upon three main sources: treated water purchased from Valley Water, surface water from its watershed in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and water pumped from the local groundwater basin. Changes and variations in quantities from each of these three sources including changes due to production assets being taken off-line for renovation or non-compliance with regulations affect the overall mix of the water supply, thereby affecting the cost of the water supply. If there is an adverse change to the mix of water supply and SJWC is not allowed by CPUC to recover the additional or increased water supply costs, its operating results may be adversely affected.
Valley Water receives an allotment of water from state and federal water projects. If SJWC has difficulties obtaining a high quality water supply from Valley Water due to availability, environmental, legal or regulatory actions or other restrictions (see also Part I, Item 1, “Water Supply”), it may not be able to fully satisfy customer demand in its service area and its operating results and business may be adversely affected. Additionally, the availability of water from SJWC’s Santa Cruz Mountains watershed depends on the weather and fluctuates with each season. In a normal year, surface water supply provides 6% to 8% of the total water supply of the system. In a season with little rainfall, such as the record drought conditions in California in 2021, water supply from surface water sources may be low, thereby causing SJWC to increase the amount of water purchased from outside sources at a higher cost than surface water, thus increasing water production expenses. When drought conditions occur, we may be required to rely more heavily on purchased water than surface water, which would increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, SJWC’s ability to use surface water is subject to regulations regarding water quality and volume limitations. If new regulations are imposed or existing regulations are changed or given new interpretations, the availability of surface water may be materially reduced. A reduction in surface water could result in the need to procure more costly water from other sources, thereby increasing overall water production expenses and adversely affecting our operating results.
Because the extraction of water from the groundwater basin and the operation of the water distribution system require a significant amount of energy, increases in energy prices could increase operating expenses of SJWC. The cost of energy is beyond our control and can change unpredictably and substantially based on load supply and demand. Therefore, SJWC cannot be certain that it will be able to contain energy costs into the future.
SJWC continues to utilize Pacific Gas & Electric’s time of use rate schedules to minimize its overall energy costs primarily for groundwater pumping. Optimization and energy management efficiency are achieved through the implementation of software applications that control pumps based on demand and cost of energy. An increase in demand or a reduction in the availability of surface water or import water could result in the need to pump more water during peak hours which will increase the cost of energy and therefore adversely affect the operating results of SJWC.
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SJWC has been granted permission by CPUC to employ certain balancing accounts to track various water supply expenses and revenues. There is no assurance that CPUC will allow recovery or refund of these balances when submitted by SJWC.
CLWSC’s primary water supply is 7,650 acre-feet of water which is pumped from Canyon Lake at three lake intakes or delivered as treated water from GBRA’s Western Canyon Pipeline, in accordance with the terms of its contracts with the GBRA, which are long-term take-or-pay contracts. This supply is supplemented by groundwater pumped from wells. CLWSC has a small secondary water supply specific to a distinct system located in Hays and Travis counties. This supply of 350 acre-feet is also a long-term take or pay contract. While the contracts provides a committed long-term water supply for future demand, CLWSC customers currently do not use the volume of water allowed under the contracts which increases the cost of water for existing customers, and there is no assurance that future demands up to the committed supply volume will occur. Texas faces long-term water supply constraints similar to California as described above and while current water supply exceeds demand, CLWSC may not be able to obtain adequate water supply to meet customer demand or may be required to procure more costly water from other sources.
The Connecticut regulated operations derive their rights and franchises to operate from state laws that are subject to alteration, amendment or repeal. Our franchises are free from restrictions, are unlimited as to time, and authorize us to sell potable water in all towns we now serve. Under Connecticut law, these rights and franchises are transferred to the surviving corporation in any merger. None of the Connecticut regulated operations were parties in the recent merger between the parent companies CTWS and SJW Group and no conditions were imposed that would adversely impact those rights and franchises. The companies further rely on environmental permits or registrations authorizing the use of water supplies in Connecticut, and those were not altered as a result of the merger with SJW Group. There is a possibility that the state could revoke our franchises and allow a governmental entity to take over some or all of our systems or could modify laws related to water supply use. From time to time such legislation has been contemplated in the past. The Connecticut regulated operations do not face long-term water supply constraints, but in times of persistent dry weather and continued drought conditions, Connecticut Water has requested that customers voluntarily reduce water usage.
Climate change may also impact water supply. For example, severity of drought conditions may impact the availability of water to all Water Utility Services and rising sea levels may impact the availability of groundwater available to SJWC and CLWSC.
Fluctuations in customer demand for water due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather, and lifestyle can adversely affect operating results.
Water Utility Services are seasonal, thus quarterly fluctuation in results of operations may be significant. Rainfall and other weather conditions also affect Water Utility Services. Water consumption typically increases during the third quarter of each year when weather tends to be warm and dry. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of water supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues. Furthermore, certain lifestyle choices made by customers can affect demand for water. For example, a significant portion of residential water use is for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. If there is a decreased desire by customers to maintain landscaping for their homes or restrictions are placed on outside irrigation, residential water demand would decrease, which would result in lower revenues.
Conservation efforts and construction codes, which require the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, could diminish water consumption and result in reduced revenue. In addition, in time of drought, water conservation may become a regulatory requirement that impacts the water usage of our customers. Weather conditions can also affect the sources of water supply, including the need to use more purchased water than surface water during a drought, which may increase our operating expenses. On July 8, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a drought emergency in fifty California Counties, including Santa Clara County. San Jose Water Company has activated our Water Shortage Contingency Plan to achieve the 15% conservation target.
The implementation of mandatory or voluntary conservation measures during the current drought has resulted and is expected to result in lower water usage by our customers which may adversely affect our results of operation. If the current conservation measures continue, or if new measures are imposed in response to drought conditions in the future, we may experience fluctuations in the timing of or a reduction in customer revenue. In addition, the current drought reduced the amount of available surface water, which required us to incur more costs to extract groundwater or obtain purchased water, which can significantly impact our results of operations.
Furthermore, the CPUC may approve memorandum accounts, such as a Water Conservation Memorandum Account (“WCMA”), to allow companies to recover revenue reductions due to water conservation activities and certain conservation related costs. However, collection of such memorandum accounts is subject to a review and approval process by CPUC, which can be lengthy, and there is no assurance that we will be able to recover in a timely manner all or some of the revenue and costs
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recorded in the memorandum accounts. When drought conditions ease and the California State Water Board and Valley Water no longer mandate water conservation, the company may no longer be allowed to recover revenue lost due to continued conservation activities under the WCMA account and would therefore be exposed to differences between actual and authorized usage. This could result in lower revenues.
Similar to SJWC, Connecticut Water and Maine Water have also been impacted by increased water conservation, as well as the use of more efficient household fixtures and appliances among residential users. There has been a trend of declining per customer residential water usage in Connecticut and Maine over the last several years. CTWS’s regulated businesses at Maine Water are heavily dependent on revenue generated from rates it charges to its residential customers for the volume of water they use. The rates Connecticut Water and Maine Water charge for its water is regulated by PURA in Connecticut and MPUC in Maine, and CTWS’s water services subsidiaries may not unilaterally adjust their rates to reflect changes in demand. A declining volume of residential water usage may have a negative impact on our operating revenues in the future if regulators do not reflect usage declines in the rate setting design process. Although the legislatures in Maine and Connecticut have provided enabling legislation for water utilities to implement revenue adjustment mechanisms to allow for recovery of authorized rates where conservation has occurred and consumption has declined and such a mechanism has been approved by PURA and implemented for Connecticut Water, this mechanism has yet to be implemented at Maine Water.
A contamination event or other decline in source water quality could affect the water supply of Water Utility Services and therefore adversely affect our business and operating results.
Water Utility Services is required under drinking water regulations to comply with water quality requirements. Through water quality compliance programs, Water Utility Services monitors for contamination and pollution of its sources of water. In addition, a watershed management program provides a proactive approach to minimize potential contamination activities. There can be no assurance that Water Utility Services will continue to comply fully with all applicable water quality requirements or detect contamination timely or at all. In the event a contamination is detected, Water Utility Services must either commence treatment to remove the contaminant or procure water from an alternative source. Either of these results may be costly, may increase future capital expenditures and there can be no assurance that the regulators would approve a rate increase to enable us to recover the costs arising from such remedies. In addition, we could be held liable for consequences arising from hazardous substances or contamination in our water supplies or other environmental damages. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
CTWS’s wastewater operations, wastewater collection and treatment and septage pumping and sludge hauling also involve various risks that could impact our company. If collection or treatment systems fail or do not operate properly, or if there is a spill, untreated or partially treated wastewater could discharge onto property or into nearby streams and rivers, causing various damages and injuries, including environmental damage and health hazards. These risks are most acute during periods of substantial rainfall or flooding, which are the main causes of wastewater overflow and system failure. Liabilities resulting from such damages and injuries could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
CTWS’s source water quality could be negatively impacted by a contamination event or a decline in source water quality beyond the capacity of existing treatment systems, causing the treated water to no longer meet state and federal drinking water standards. On a temporary basis, such an event could result in a Do Not Drink or Do Not Use order by state regulators. On a permanent basis, such an event could require additional treatment or the replacement of the source water supply. In either case, such an event or occurrence could cause a decline in consumer trust, significant investment or expense for remediation efforts and potential claims from customers. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
Operating under contract water and waste systems in Maine and Connecticut subject us to risks.
CTWS operates a number of water and wastewater systems under operation and maintenance contracts. Pursuant to these contracts, such systems are operated according to the standards set forth in the applicable contract, and it is generally the responsibility of the owner of the system to undertake capital improvements over which we may not have control. We may not be able to convince the owner to make needed improvements in order to maintain compliance with applicable regulations. Although violations and fines incurred by water and wastewater systems may be the responsibility of the owner of the system under these contracts, such non-compliance events may reflect poorly on us as the operator of the system and harm our reputation, and in some cases, may result in liability to the same extent as if we were the owner.
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Water Utility Services rely on information technology and systems that are key to business operations. A system malfunction, security breach, cyber-attacks or other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which could adversely affect business operations.
Information technology is key to the operation of the Water Utility Services, including but not limited to payroll, general ledger activities, outsourced bill preparation and remittance processing, providing customer service and the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems to operate our distribution system. Among other things, system malfunctions, computer viruses and security breaches could prevent us from operating or monitoring our facilities, billing and collecting cash accurately and timely analysis of financial results. In addition, we collect, process, and store sensitive data from our customers and employees, including personally identifiable information, on our networks. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed without our authorization, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen which could result in legal claims or proceedings, violation of privacy laws or damage to our reputation and customer relationships. Our profitability and cash flow could be affected negatively in the event these systems do not operate effectively or are breached. In addition, we may not be able to develop or acquire information technology that is competitive and responsive to the needs of our business, and we may lack sufficient resources to make the necessary upgrades or replacements of our outdated existing technology to allow us to continue to operate at our current level of efficiency.
In addition, we must comply with privacy rights regulations such as The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), a state statute that became effective January 1, 2020, which enhances the privacy rights and consumer protections for California residents. Among other things, the CCPA establishes statutory damages for victims of data security breaches, and provides additional rights for consumers to obtain their data from any business that has their personally identifying information. If we fail to comply with CCPA, it may lead to investigations, claims, and proceedings by governmental entities and private parties, damages for breach, and cause us to incur other significant costs, penalties, and other liabilities, as well as harm to our reputation.
A failure of our reservoirs, storage tanks, mains or distribution networks could result in losses and damages that may adversely affect our financial condition and reputation.
We distribute water through an extensive network of mains and store water in reservoirs and storage tanks located across our service areas. The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. A failure of major mains, reservoirs, or tanks could result in injuries and damage to residential and/or commercial property for which we may be responsible, in whole or in part. The failure of major mains, reservoirs or tanks may also result in the need to shut down some facilities or parts of our water distribution network in order to conduct repairs. Such failures and shutdowns may limit our ability to supply water in sufficient quantities to our customers and to meet the water delivery requirements prescribed by governmental regulators, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and reputation. We also own and operate numerous dams throughout Connecticut and Maine, and a failure of such dams could result in losses and damages that may adversely effect our financial condition and reputation. Any business interruption or other losses might not be covered by existing insurance policies or be recoverable in rates, and such losses may make it difficult for us to secure insurance in the future at acceptable rates. Our insurance policies may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover the costs of these claims.
SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. have real estate holdings that are subject to various business and investment risks.
SJW Land Company owns real estate in California and Tennessee, and Chester Realty, Inc. owns real estate in Connecticut. The risks of investing directly in real estate vary depending on the investment strategy and investment objective and include the following:
•Market and general economic risks—real estate investment is tied to overall domestic economic growth and, therefore, carries market risk which cannot be eliminated by diversification. Generally, all property types benefit from national economic growth, though the benefits range according to local factors, such as local supply and demand and job creation. Because real estate leases are typically staggered and last for multiple years, there is generally a delayed effect in the performance of real estate in relation to the overall economy. This delayed effect can insulate or deteriorate the financial impact to SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. in a downturn or an improved economic environment.
•Vacancy rates can climb and market rents can be impacted and weakened by general economic forces, therefore affecting income to SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc.
•A decrease in the value of a real estate property or increase in vacancy could result in reduced future cash flows to amounts below the property’s current carrying value and could result in an impairment charge.
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The value of real estate can decrease materially due to a deflationary market, decline in rental income, market cycle of supply and demand, long lag time in real estate development, legislative and governmental actions, environmental concerns, increases in rates of returns demanded by investors, and fluctuation of interest rates, eroding any unrealized capital appreciation and, potentially, invested capital.
The success of SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc.’s real estate investment strategy depend largely on ongoing local, state and federal land use development activities and regulations, future economic conditions, the development and fluctuations in the sale of the undeveloped properties, the ability to identify the developer/potential buyer of the available-for-sale real estate, the timing of the transaction, favorable tax law, and the ability to maintain and manage portfolio properties. There is no guarantee that we will be able to execute the strategy successfully and failure to do so may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Work stoppages, other labor relations matters and epidemic or pandemic illness events could adversely affect our business and operating results.
As of December 31, 2021, 226 of our 751 total employees were union members. Most of our unionized employees are represented by the Utility Workers of America, except certain employees in the engineering department who are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers. Only employees at SJWC are union members. The current three-year bargaining agreements will expire on December 31, 2022 and negotiations will begin in 2022 for the upcoming period, 2023 through 2025.
We may experience difficulties and delays in the collective bargaining process to reach suitable agreements with union employees, particularly in light of increasing healthcare and pension costs. In addition, changes in applicable law and regulations could have an adverse effect on management’s negotiating position with the unions. Labor actions, work stoppages or the threat of work stoppages, and our failure to obtain favorable labor contract terms during future negotiations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
If we fail to maintain safe work sites, we can be exposed to not only people impacts but also to financial losses such as penalties and other liabilities.
Our safety record is critical to our reputation because our business operation involves inherently dangerous activities. We maintain health and safety standards to protect our employees, customers, vendors and the public. Although we intend to adhere to such health and safety standards and aim for zero injuries, it is difficult to avoid accidents at all times.
Our business sites, including construction and maintenance sites, often place our employees and others in close proximity with large pieces of heavy equipment, moving vehicles, pressurized water, underground trenches and vaults, chemicals and other regulated materials. On many sites we are responsible for safety and, accordingly, must implement safety procedures. If we fail to implement such procedures or if the procedures we implement are ineffective or are not followed by our employees or others, or if accidents occur outside of our control, our employees and others may be injured or die. Unsafe work sites also have the potential to increase employee turnover and raise our operating costs. Any of the foregoing could result in financial losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, our operations can involve the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, which, if improperly handled, stored or disposed of, could subject us to penalties or other liabilities. We are also subject to regulations dealing with occupational health and safety. Although we maintain functional employee groups whose primary purpose is to ensure we implement effective health, safety, and environment work procedures throughout our organization, including construction sites and maintenance sites, the failure to comply with such regulations or procedures could subject us to a liability.
Risks Relating To Our Finances and Corporate Matters
We may not have sufficient cash flow or capital resources to fund capital expenditures of our water utility business.
The water utility business is capital-intensive. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization of the system will grow at an increasing rate as components reach the end of their useful lives. SJW Group’ subsidiaries fund capital expenditures through a variety of sources, including cash received from operations, funds received from developers as contributions or advances, borrowings through lines of credit and debt financings, as well as equity financings by SJW Group. We cannot provide any assurance that the historical sources of funds for capital expenditures will continue to be adequate or that the cost of funds will remain at levels permitting us to earn a reasonable rate of return. A significant change in any of the funding sources could impair the ability of Water Utility Services to fund its capital expenditures, which could impact our ability to grow our utility asset base and earnings. Any increase in the cost of capital through higher interest rates or otherwise could adversely affect our results of operations.
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Our ability to raise capital through equity or debt may be affected by the economy and condition of the debt and equity markets. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets or deteriorations in the strength of financial institutions could adversely affect SJW Group’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt or sell its equity. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase SJW Group’s cost of capital. Furthermore, equity financings may result in dilution to our existing stockholders and debt financings may contain covenants that restrict the actions of SJW Group and its subsidiaries.
We incurred substantial additional indebtedness to finance our acquisition of CTWS, which may reduce our business and operational flexibility and increase our borrowing costs.
Our increased indebtedness and higher debt-to-equity ratio in comparison to that of our recent historical basis may have the effect, among other things, of: reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business, industry and economic conditions; increasing borrowing costs; placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry with less debt; potentially having an adverse effect on our issuer and issue ratings; requiring additional cash flow to be used to service debt instead of for other purposes; and potentially impairing our ability to obtain other financing.
In addition, the terms and conditions of such indebtedness, including financial covenants and restrictive covenants, may reduce our business flexibility and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The agreements governing the indebtedness incurred in connection with the merger contain covenants that impose significant operating and financial limitations and restrictions on us, including restrictions on the ability to enter particular transactions and engage in other activities that we may believe will be advisable or necessary for the combined company’s business. In addition, failure to comply with any of the covenants in our existing or future debt agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other existing agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of indebtedness under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing such indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, we may not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations under our indebtedness, including principal and interest payments, which, if not cured, may cause an event of default.
The senior note borrowings of SJW Group, SJWC and CLWSC include certain financial covenants regarding a maximum debt to equity ratio and an interest coverage requirement. In the event the relevant borrower exceeds the maximum debt to equity ratio or interest coverage requirement, we may be restricted from issuing future debt. In addition, the pollution control revenue bonds issued on behalf of SJWC contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for a loan agreement relating to revenue bonds, including, among other things, certain disclosure obligations, the tax exempt status of the interest on the bonds, and limitations and prohibitions on the transfer of projects funded by the loan proceeds and assignment of the loan agreement.
CTWS and its subsidiaries are required to comply with certain covenants in connection with their various long term loan agreements. The most restrictive of these covenants are the requirements to maintain a consolidated debt to capitalization ratio of not more than 60%. Additionally, Maine Water has restrictions on cash dividends paid based on restricted net assets. In the event that we violate any of these covenants, an event of default may occur and all amounts due under such bonds may be called by the Trustee, which would have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial conditions.
The phaseout of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or the replacement of LIBOR with a different reference rate, may adversely affect interest rates.
On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the authority that regulates LIBOR, announced that it would phaseout LIBOR by the end of 2021. In March 2021, the FCA announced an extension of certain panels of LIBOR to continue until the end of June 2023. However, in November 2021, the FCA confirmed that it will prohibit the use of LIBOR in new contracts written after December 31, 2021. In the United States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee has proposed the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as an alternative to LIBOR. It is not presently known whether SOFR or any other alternative reference rates that have been proposed will attain market acceptance as replacements of LIBOR. Changes in the method of calculating LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate or benchmark, may adversely affect interest rates and result in higher borrowing costs for both our existing debt agreements that include LIBOR interest rates and future loan agreements that we may enter into. In addition, uncertainty as to the nature of such phase out and selection of an alternative reference rate can result in disruptions in the overall financial market, which could negatively impact our ability to obtain debt financing at favorable rates. We cannot predict how the LIBOR transition will impact the interest rates and other terms of our existing debt agreements, and such transition may materially and adversely affect SJW Group’s results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
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SJW Group has committed to certain “ring-fencing” measures which will enhance CTWS’s separateness from SJW Group, which may limit SJW Group’s ability to influence the management and policies of CTWS (beyond the limitations included in other existing governance mechanisms).
Pursuant to the agreements related to the acquisition of CTWS and commitments made by SJW Group as part of the application for PURA and MPUC approval of the acquisition of CTWS, SJW Group has instituted certain “ring-fencing” measures to enhance CTWS’s separateness from SJW Group and to mitigate the risk that CTWS would be negatively impacted in the event of a bankruptcy or other adverse financial developments affecting SJW Group or its non-ring-fenced affiliates. These commitments became effective upon the closing of the acquisition.
In order to satisfy the ring-fencing commitments, SJW Group formed SJWNE, LLC a wholly-owned special purpose entity (“SPE”) to own the capital stock of CTWS. The SPE, CTWS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “CTWS Entities”) adopted certain measures designed to enhance their separateness from SJW Group, with the intention of mitigating the effects on the CTWS Entities of any bankruptcy of SJW Group and its affiliates other than the CTWS Entities (collectively, the “Non-CTWS Entities”). As a result of these ring-fencing measures, in certain situations, SJW Group will be restricted in its ability to access assets of the CTWS Entities as dividends or intracompany loans to satisfy the debt or contractual obligations of any Non-CTWS Entity, including any indebtedness or other contractual obligations of SJW Group. In addition, the ring-fencing structure may negatively impact SJW Group’s ability to achieve certain benefits, including synergies and economies of scale to reduce operating costs of the combined entity, that it anticipates will result from the merger. This ring-fencing structure also subjects SJW Group and the CTWS Entities to certain governance, operational and financial restrictions since the closing of the merger. Accordingly, SJW Group may be restricted in its ability to direct the management, policies and operations of the CTWS Entities, including the deployment or disposition of their respective assets, declarations of dividends, strategic planning and other important corporate issues. Further, the CTWS Entities’ directors have considerable autonomy and, as described in our commitments, have a duty to act in the best interest of the CTWS Entities consistent with the ring-fencing structure and applicable law, which may be contrary to SJW Group’s best interests or be in opposition to SJW Group’s preferred strategic direction for the CTWS Entities. To the extent they take actions that are not in SJW Group’s interests, our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected.
Our business strategy, which includes acquiring water systems and expanding non-tariffed services, will expose us to new risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our business strategy focuses on the following:
(1)Regional regulated water utility operations;
(2)Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the Regulators; and
(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.
As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time to time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. However, we cannot be certain we will be successful in identifying and consummating any strategic business combination or acquisitions relating to such opportunities. In addition, the execution of our business strategy will expose us to different risks than those associated with the current utility operations. We expect to incur costs in connection with the execution of this strategy and any integration of an acquired business could involve significant costs, the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities related to the acquired assets, the diversion of management’s time and resources, the potential for a negative impact on SJW Group’s financial position and operating results, entering markets in which SJW Group has no or limited direct prior experience and the potential loss of key employees of any acquired company. Any strategic combination or acquisition we decide to undertake may also impact our ability to finance our business, affect our compliance with regulatory requirements, and impose additional burdens on our operations. Any businesses we acquire may not achieve sales, customer growth and projected profitability that would justify the investment. Any difficulties we encounter in the integration process, including the integration of controls necessary for internal control and financial reporting, could interfere with our operations, reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our internal controls. SJW Group cannot be certain that any transaction will be successful or that it will not materially harm operating results or our financial condition.
Adverse investment returns and other factors may increase our pension costs and pension plan funding requirements.
A substantial number of our employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans. Our pension costs and the funded status of the plans are affected by a number of factors including the discount rate, applicable mortality tables, mortality rates of plan participants, investment returns on plan assets, and pension reform legislation. Any change in such factors could result in an
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increase in future pension costs and an increase in our pension liabilities, requiring an increase in plan contributions which may adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
SJW Group’s dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and may be limited by legal and contractual requirements.
We anticipate to continue to pay a regular quarterly dividend, though any such determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, including limitations under Delaware law, restrictions in our credit agreements and other debt instruments that limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders and other factors the board of directors deems relevant. The board of directors of SJW Group may, in its sole discretion, change the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In addition, our subsidiaries may be subject to restrictions on their ability to pay dividends to us, including under state law, pursuant to regulatory commitments and under their credit agreements and other debt instruments. In this regard, the CTWS Entities are limited from paying dividends to us in certain circumstances under PURA and MPUC regulatory commitments. Any inability of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends may have a material and adverse effect on our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also make it more difficult for stockholders to influence our policies or may reduce the rights of stockholders.
SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of SJW Group. These provisions could also make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Authorizing Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock;
•Prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
•Limiting the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders to only stockholders holding not less than 20% of outstanding voting power; and
•Requiring advance notification of stockholder nomination of directors and proposals.
These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by stockholders of SJW Group to replace or remove its current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law (“DGCL”) govern SJW Group. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time without the consent of the Board of Directors.
Furthermore, SJW Group’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that a state or federal court located within Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum (unless the company consents in writing to the selection of an alternate forum) for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SJW Group, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of SJW Group to the company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Such “exclusive forum” provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with SJW Group or its directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.
We may not be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable costs, or at all, to cover all losses incurred in our operations
We maintain insurance coverage as part of our overall legal and risk management strategy to minimize potential liabilities arising from our operations. Our insurance programs have varying coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and maximums, and our insurance coverages include, worker’s compensation, employer’s liability, damage to our property, general liability, pollution liability, cybersecurity, and automobile liability. Each policy includes either deductibles or self-insured retentions and policy limits for covered claims. As a result, we may sustain losses that exceed or are excluded from our insurance coverage or for which we are self-insured. The insurance companies may also seek to challenge, reduce or deny any claims we submit, which may prevent us from recovering fully the losses we incurred. In addition, insurance companies may increase premium or deductible or reduce coverage limits based on factors that are beyond our control, including industry trends, financial conditions of insurance companies and catastrophic events such as wildfire, earthquake and pandemic. There can be no assurance that we can secure all necessary or appropriate insurance in the future, or that such insurance can be obtain at reasonable cost, or at all.
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General Risk Factors
We operate in areas subject to natural disasters or that may be the target of terrorist activities.
We operate in areas that are prone to earthquakes, fires, floods, extreme weathers and other natural disasters. A significant seismic event in northern California, where the majority of our operations are concentrated, or other natural disaster in northern California, Connecticut, Texas or Maine could adversely impact our ability to deliver water to our customers and our costs of operations. A major disaster could damage or destroy our capital assets, harm our reputations and adversely affect our results of operations. The Regulators have historically allowed utilities to establish catastrophic event memorandum accounts as a possible mechanism to recover costs, such as the CEMA memorandum account in California. However, we can give no assurance that our regulators, or any other commission would allow any such cost recovery mechanism in the future.
In light of the potential threats to the nation’s health and security due to terrorist attacks, we have taken steps to increase security measures at our facilities and heighten employee awareness of threats to our water supply. We have also tightened our security measures regarding the delivery and handling of certain chemicals used in our business. We have and will continue to bear increased costs for security precautions to protect our facilities, operations and supplies. These costs may be significant.
While some of these costs are likely to be recovered in the form of higher rates, there can be no assurance that the Regulators will approve a rate increase to recover all or part of such costs and, as a result, our operating results and business may be adversely affected. Further, despite these tightened security measures, we may not be in a position to control the outcome of terrorist events should they occur.
Our operations, liquidity, and earnings may be adversely affected by wildfires and risk of fire hazards.
It is possible that wildfires and other fire hazards may occur more frequently, be of longer duration or impact larger areas as a result of drought-damaged plants and trees, lower humidity or higher winds that might be occurring as result of changed weather patterns. The effects of these natural disasters in California’s drought-prone areas, such as the Santa Cruz Mountains, the watershed where SJWC obtains up to 10% of its water supply, may temporarily compromise its surface water supply resulting in disruption in our services and litigation which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
If our surface water supply is compromised, we may have to interrupt the use of that water supply until we are able to substitute the flow of water from an alternative water source. If there is an adverse change to the mix of water supply, it may cause an increase in our purchased and pumped water and increase our production expenses substantially, which would adversely affect the operating results of SJWC. There can be no assurance that the CPUC will allow SJWC to recover the additional or increased production expenses.
In addition, we may incur significant costs in order to treat the impacted source through expansion of our current treatment facilities, or development of new treatment methods. If we are unable to substitute water supply from an alternative water source, or to adequately treat the impacted water source in a cost-effective manner, there may be an adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, and financial condition. The costs we incur to secure an alternative water source or an increase in draws from our underground water system could be significant and may not be recoverable in rates.
Wildfires may destroy or cause damage to properties, facilities, equipment and other assets owned and operated by SJWC or result in personal injuries to our employees and personnel, which may cause temporary or permanent disruption to our water services. In such a case, we may be required to incur significant expenses to repair, replace or upgrade our assets, or to defend against costly litigation or disputes with third parties, any of which may adversely affect our business operations or financial conditions.
While we maintain a business insurance policy, such policy includes limitation and retention that may reduce, or in some cases eliminate, our ability to recover all or a substantial portion of the losses and damages due to wildfire. Our inability to rely fully on insurance coverage may negatively impact our results of operations. Losses by insurance companies resulting from wildfires in California may also cause insurance coverage for wildfire risks to become more expensive or unavailable under reasonable terms, and our insurance may be inadequate to recover all our losses incurred in a wildfire. Furthermore, we might not be allowed to recover in our rates any increased costs of wildfire insurance or the costs of any uninsured wildfire losses.
The price of our common stock may be volatile and may be affected by market conditions beyond our control.
The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate in the future based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and unrelated to our financial results. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include volatility of the general stock market or the utility index, regulatory developments, public announcement of material development in strategic transactions general economic conditions and trends, actual or anticipated changes or fluctuations in our results of operations, actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities analysts, actual or
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anticipated developments in our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally, litigation involving us or our industry, and major catastrophic event(s) or sales of large blocks of our stock. Furthermore, we believe that stockholders invest in public stocks in part because they seek reliable dividend payments. If there is an over supply of stock of public utilities in the market relative to demand by such investors, the trading price of our common stock may decrease. Additionally, if interest rates rise above the dividend yield offered by our common stock, demand for our stock and its trading price may also decrease.
We must continue to attract and retain qualified technical and managerial personnel in order to succeed.
Our future success depends largely upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical, operational and financial managers. There is a significant competition for such personnel in our industry. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or the inability to hire and retain experienced management personnel could have an adverse effect on our business, as our management team has knowledge of our industry and customers and would be difficult to replace. We try to ensure that we offer competitive compensation and benefits as well as conduct succession planning and provide opportunities for continued development, and we continually strive to recruit and train qualified personnel and retain key employees. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to be successful in attracting and retaining the personnel we require to grow and operate profitably.
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.Properties
The properties of SJWC consist of a unified water production system located in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California. In general, the property is comprised of franchise rights, water rights, necessary rights-of-way, approximately 6,500 acres of land held in fee (which is primarily non-developable watershed), impounding reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 2.256 billion gallons, 2,488 miles of transmission and distribution mains, distribution storage of approximately 194 million gallons, wells, boosting facilities, diversions, surface water treatment plants, equipment, office buildings and other property necessary to provide water service to its customers.
SJWC maintains all of its properties in good operating condition in accordance with customary practice for a water utility. SJWC’s groundwater pumping stations have a production capacity of approximately 247 million gallons per day and the present capacity for taking purchased water is approximately 84 million gallons per day. The surface water collection system has a physical delivery capacity of approximately 35 million gallons per day. During 2021, a maximum and average of 133 million gallons and 99 million gallons of water per day, respectively, were delivered to the system.
The properties of CTWS consist of land, easements, rights (including water rights), buildings, reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 9.4 billion gallons, standpipes, dams, wells, supply lines, water treatment plants, pumping plants, 2,317 miles of transmission and distribution mains and other facilities and equipment used for the collection, purification, storage and distribution of water throughout Connecticut and Maine. In certain cases, Connecticut Water and Maine Water are or may be a party to limited contractual arrangements for the provision of water supply from neighboring utilities.
Sources of water supply owned, maintained and operated by CTWS include 25 surface water reservoirs and 108 well fields. In addition, Connecticut Water and Maine Water have agreements with various neighboring water utilities to provide water, at negotiated rates, to our water systems. Collectively, these sources have the capacity to deliver approximately 84 million gallons of potable water daily to the 27 major operating systems. CTWS also owns, maintains and operates 50 small, non-interconnected satellite and consecutive water systems, that combined, have the ability to deliver about 3.5 million gallons of additional water per day to their respective systems. CTWS’s 30 water treatment plants have a combined treatment capacity of approximately 52 million gallons per day.
CLWSC maintains a service area that covers approximately 266 square miles located in the southern region of the Texas hill country in Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Medina and Travis counties. The majority of the service area surrounds an 8,200 surface acre reservoir, Canyon Lake. CLWSC production wells have the ability to pump a combined 5.8 billion gallons annually. CLWSC has contracts for 2 billion gallons of untreated surface water and 235 million gallons of treated surface water from the GBRA annually, and 81 million gallons of treated surface water from LCRA. CLWSC owns and operates three surface water treatment plants with a combined production capacity of 9 million gallons per day. CLWSC has 726 miles of transmission and distribution mains and maintains 77 storage tanks with a total storage capacity of 9.3 million gallons. CLWSC owns and operates three wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 250,400 gallons per day.
Water Utility Services hold all of its principal properties in fee simple, subject to current tax and assessment liens, rights-of-way, easements, and certain minor defects in title which do not materially affect their use. A substantial portion of treatment,
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storage and distribution properties owned by Maine Water are subject to liens of mortgage or indentures that secure bonds, notes and other evidences of long-term indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2021, SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. own approximately 101 acres of property in the State of California, 55 acres of property in the State of Tennessee and 23 acres of property in State of Connecticut.
The following table is a summary of SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. properties described previously:
% for Year EndedDecember 31, 2021of Real Estate Services
Description Location Acreage Square Footage Revenue Expense
Commercial building Knoxville, Tennessee 15 135,000 51 % 57 %
Undeveloped land and parking lot Knoxville, Tennessee 10 N/A N/A N/A
Undeveloped land San Jose, CA 101 N/A N/A N/A
Commercial building Clinton, CT 22 9,000 1 % 1 %
Commercial building Guilford, CT 1 1,300 — % — %
Item 3.Legal Proceedings
SJW Group and its subsidiaries are subject to ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. There are no pending legal proceedings to which SJW Group or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or to which any of its properties is the subject, that are expected to have a material effect on SJW Group’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
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PART II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
SJW Group’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SJW”. As of December 31, 2021, there were 297 record holders of SJW Group’s common stock, excluding those shares in street or nominee name.
Five-Year Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the changes in the cumulative stockholder return on SJW Group’s common stock with the cumulative total return on a Water Utility Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index during the last five years ended December 31, 2021. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in SJW Group’s common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among SJW Group, a Water Utility Index and the S&P 500 Index
The following descriptive data of the performance graph is supplied in accordance with Rule 304(d) of Regulation S-T (numbers represent U.S. dollars ($)):
The Water Utility Index is the 9 water company Water Utility Index (including CTWS up to the time of its merger with SJW Group) prepared by Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. The above performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that the company specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.
Item 6.[Reserved]
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Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except where otherwise noted)
Description of Business
SJW Group is a publicly traded company and is a holding company with four subsidiaries:
SJWC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJW Group, is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 231,000 connections that serve a population of approximately one million people in an area comprising approximately 139 square miles in the metropolitan San Jose, California area.
SJWNE LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJW Group. On October 9, 2019, CTWS became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJWNE LLC. Connecticut Water Service, Inc. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are primarily public utilities providing water service to approximately 140,000 service connections that serve a population of approximately 456,000 people in 81 municipalities with a service area of approximately 269 square miles throughout Connecticut and Maine and 3,000 wastewater connections in Southbury, Connecticut.
SJWTX, Inc., doing business as CLWSC, is a public utility in the business of providing water service to approximately 24,000 service connections that serve approximately 70,000 people. CLWSC’s service area comprises more than 266 square miles in Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Medina and Travis County in the growing region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. On December 17, 2021, CLWSC completed its acquisition of Kendall West Utility and Bandera East Utility, companies that provide water services, including wastewater and recycled water services, in Kendall, Bandera and Medina counties which are located in south central Texas. Kendall West Utility and Bandera East Utility, together, added approximately 5,000 people through 1,600 service connections in a service area approximately 19 square miles to CLWSC’s operations. SJWTX, Inc. has a 25% interest in Acequia Water Supply Corporation. Acequia has been determined to be a variable interest entity within the scope of ASC Topic 810 with SJWTX, Inc. as the primary beneficiary. As a result, Acequia has been consolidated with SJWTX, Inc. SJWTX, Inc is undergoing a corporate reorganization to separate regulated operations from non-tariffed activities. In November 2021, SJWTX Holdings and TWOS were formed for the purpose of effecting a corporate reorganization of our water services organization in Texas. TWOS was created for non-tariffed operations and is wholly-owned by SJWTX Holdings. SJWTX Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJW Group, incorporated to hold the investments in SJWTX, Inc. and TWOS. In addition, in 2022, SJWTX Holdings intends to create a new subsidiary to hold future wholesale water supply assets.
SJW Land Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SJW Group, owns undeveloped land in the States of California and Tennessee, owns and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee.
Business Strategy for Water Utility Services
SJW Group focuses its business initiatives in three strategic areas:
(1)Regional regulated water utility operations;
(2)Regional non-tariffed water utility related services provided in accordance with the guidelines established by the CPUC in California, PURA in Connecticut, PUCT in Texas, and MPUC in Maine; and
(3)Out-of-region water and utility related services.
Regional Regulated Activities
SJW Group’s regulated utility operation is conducted through SJWC, Connecticut Water, CLWSC and Maine Water. SJW Group plans and applies a diligent and disciplined approach to maintaining and improving its water system infrastructures and also seeks to acquire regulated water systems adjacent to or near its existing service territory. Connecticut Water also provides regulated wastewater services.
The United States water utility industry is largely fragmented and is dominated by municipal-owned water systems. The water industry is regulated, and provides a life-sustaining product. This makes water utilities subject to lower business cycle risks than non-tariffed industries.
Regional Non-tariffed Activities
Operating in accordance with guidelines established by the CPUC, SJWC provides non-tariffed services, such as water system operations, maintenance agreements and antenna site leases under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. CLWSC provides non-tariffed wholesale water service to adjacent utilities and non-tariffed wastewater services. CTWS provides non-tariffed services, such as water system operations and maintenance under agreements with municipalities and other utilities. Additionally, CTWS offers Linebacker, an optional service line protection program covering a limited amount of the cost of
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repairs for leaking or broken water and wastewater service lines and in-home plumbing to eligible residential customers in Connecticut and water service lines to eligible residential customers in Maine.
SJW Group also seeks appropriate non-tariffed business opportunities that complement its existing operations or that allow it to extend its core competencies beyond existing operations. SJW Group seeks opportunities to fully utilize its capabilities and existing capacity by providing services to other regional water systems, which also will benefit its existing regional customers.
Out-of-Region Opportunities
SJW Group also from time to time pursues opportunities to participate in out-of-region water and utility related services, particularly regulated water businesses. SJW Group evaluates out-of-region and out-of-state opportunities that meet SJW Group’s risk and return profile.
The factors SJW Group considers in evaluating such opportunities include:
•Potential profitability;
•Regulatory environment;
•Additional growth opportunities within the region;
•Water supply, water quality and environmental issues;
•Capital requirements;
•General economic conditions; and
•Synergy potential.
As part of our pursuit of the above three strategic areas, we consider from time to time opportunities to acquire businesses and assets. However, we cannot be certain we will be successful in identifying and consummating any strategic business combination or acquisitions relating to such opportunities. In addition, the execution of our business strategy will expose us to different risks than those associated with the current utility operations. We expect to incur costs in connection with the execution of this strategy and any integration of an acquired business could involve significant costs, the assumption of certain known and unknown liabilities related to the acquired assets, the diversion of management’s time and resources, the potential for a negative impact on SJW Group’s financial position and operating results, entering markets in which SJW Group has no or limited direct prior experience and the potential loss of key employees of any acquired company. Any strategic combination or acquisition we decide to undertake may also impact our ability to finance our business, affect our compliance with regulatory requirements, and impose additional burdens on our operations. Any businesses we acquire may not achieve sales, customer growth and projected profitability that would justify the investment. Any difficulties we encounter in the integration process, including the integration of controls necessary for internal control and financial reporting, could interfere with our operations, reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our internal controls. SJW Group cannot be certain that any transaction will be successful or that it will not materially harm operating results or our financial condition.
Real Estate Services
SJW Group’s real estate investment activity is conducted through SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. SJW Land Company owns undeveloped land in California and Tennessee and owns and operates commercial buildings in Tennessee. Chester Realty, Inc. owns and operates land and commercial buildings in the State of Connecticut. SJW Land Company and Chester Realty, Inc. manage its acquired income producing and other properties until such time a determination is made to reinvest proceeds from sale of such properties.
Critical Accounting Policies
SJW Group has identified accounting policies delineated below as the policies critical to its business operations and the understanding of the results of operations. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. SJW Group bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” SJW Group’s critical accounting policies are as follows:
Recognition of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Generally accepted accounting principles for water utilities include the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities as permitted by ASC Topic 980. In accordance with ASC Topic 980, Water Utility Services, to the extent applicable, records
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deferred costs and credits on the balance sheet as regulatory assets and liabilities when it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the ratemaking process in a period different from when the costs and credits are incurred. Accounting for such costs and credits is based on management’s judgment and prior historical ratemaking practices, and it occurs when management determines that it is probable that these costs and credits will be recognized in the future revenue of Water Utility Services through the ratemaking process. The regulatory assets and liabilities recorded by Water Utility Services primarily relate to the recognition of deferred income taxes for ratemaking versus tax accounting purposes, balancing and memorandum accounts, postretirement pension benefits, medical costs, accrued benefits for vacation and asset retirement obligations that have not been passed through in rates. The company primarily adjusts the related asset and liabilities for these items through its regulatory asset and liability accounts on a monthly basis. The disallowance of any asset in future ratemaking, including deferred regulatory assets, would require Water Utility Services to immediately recognize the impact of the costs for financial reporting purposes. No disallowances were recognized during the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Recognition of Balancing and Memorandum Accounts
Balancing and memorandum accounts are utilized by our California operations. The purpose of a balancing account is to track the under-collection or over-collection associated with expense changes and the revenue authorized by the CPUC to offset those expense changes. Pursuant to Section 792.5 of the California Public Utilities Code, a balancing account must be maintained for expense items for which revenue offsets have been authorized.
Balancing accounts are currently being maintained for the following items: purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges, pensions, and general rate case and cost of capital true-ups. The amount in the water production balancing accounts varies with the seasonality of the water utility business such that, during the summer months when the demand for water is at its peak, the account tends to reflect an under-collection, while during the winter months when demand for water is relatively lower, the account tends to reflect an over-collection. The pension balancing account is intended to capture the difference between actual pension expense and the amount approved in rates by the CPUC. The general rate case true-up accounts are a result of revenue shortfalls authorized for collection or refund by the CPUC due to delayed rate case and cost of capital decisions.
SJWC also maintains memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC. The Monterey Water Revenue Adjustment Mechanism tracks the difference between the revenue received for actual metered sales through the tiered volumetric rate and the revenue that would have been received with the same actual metered sales if a uniform rate would have been in effect.
Balancing and memorandum accounts are recognized by SJWC when it is probable that future recovery of previously incurred costs or future refunds that are to be credited to customers will occur through the ratemaking process. In addition, in the case of special revenue programs such as the WCMA, SJWC follows the requirements of ASC Topic 980-605-25—“Alternative Revenue Programs” in determining revenue recognition, including the requirement that such revenues will be collected within 24 months of the year-end in which the revenue is recorded. A reserve is recorded for amounts SJW Group estimates will not be collected within the 24-month period. This reserve is based on an estimate of actual usage over the recovery period, offset by applicable drought surcharges. In assessing the probability criteria for balancing and memorandum accounts between general rate cases, SJWC considers evidence that may exist prior to CPUC authorization that would satisfy ASC Topic 980 subtopic 340-25 recognition criteria. Such evidence may include regulatory rules and decisions, past practices, and other facts and circumstances that would indicate that recovery or refund is probable. When such evidence provides sufficient support, the balances are recorded in SJW Group’s financial statements.
It is typical for the CPUC to incorporate any over-collected and/or under-collected balances in balancing or memorandum accounts into customer rates at the time rate decisions are made as part of SJWC’s general rate case proceedings by assessing temporary surcredits and/or surcharges. In the case where SJWC’s balancing or memorandum-type accounts that have been authorized by the CPUC reach certain thresholds or have termination dates, SJWC can request the CPUC to recognize the amounts in customer rates prior to the next regular general rate case proceeding by filing an advice letter.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on October 1st or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not, reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. SJW Group first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. In assessing the qualitative factors, SJW Group considers the impact of these key factors: change in industry and competitive environment, financial performance, macroeconomic conditions, and other relevant Company-specific events. If SJW Group determines that as a result of the qualitative assessment it is more likely than not (>
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50% likelihood) that the fair value is less than carrying amount, then a quantitative test is performed. SJW Group’s goodwill is primarily associated with the recent merger with CTWS on October 9, 2019. SJW Group performed an impairment analysis as of October 1, 2021. The qualitative assessment found no indicators of impairment and therefore did not perform the quantitative impairment test. No impairments occurred during 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
SJW Group’s financial condition and results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors including the following:
•Economic utility regulation;
•Infrastructure investment;
•Compliance with environmental, health and safety standards;
•Production expenses;
•Customer growth;
•Water usage per customer;
•Weather conditions, seasonality and sources of water supply; and
•Merger and acquisition activities, if any.
Economic Utility Regulation
Water Utility Services is generally subject to economic regulation by the Regulators overseeing public utilities. Regulatory policies vary from state to state and may change over time. In addition, there may be regulatory lag between the time a capital investment is made, a consumption decrease occurs, or an operating expense increases and when those items are adjusted in utility rates.
SJWC employs a forward-looking test year and has been authorized to use several mechanisms to mitigate risks faced due to regulatory lag and new and changing legislation, policies and regulation. These include memorandum accounts to track revenue impacts due to catastrophic events, certain unforeseen water quality expenses related to new federal and state water quality standards, energy efficiency, water conservation, water tariffs, and other approved activities or as directed by the CPUC. Rate recovery for the balances in these memorandum accounts is generally allowed in a subsequent general rate case. SJWC also maintains balancing accounts to track changes in purchased water, purchased power, groundwater extraction charges and pension costs for later rate recovery. Regulatory risk in California is mitigated by use of a forward-looking test year which allows the return on and return of utility plant on a forecasted basis as it is placed in service, and in some cases interim rate relief is allowed in the event of regulatory lag.
Pursuant to Connecticut regulations, Connecticut Water employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Connecticut. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for pipeline replacement and conservation related projects, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved WICA that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain eligible pre-approved projects. Further to mitigate risks from variations in revenues from changes in customer usage, the Connecticut State Legislature has approved a WRA to provide for recovery of the company’s authorized revenues.
Pursuant to Texas regulation, CLWSC employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Texas, provided there is no current rate case outstanding. Further, rate cases may not be filed more frequently than once every 12 months.
Pursuant to Maine regulations, Maine Water employs a historical test year. To address regulatory risk due to regulatory lag and changing legislation policies and regulations, rate cases may be filed as necessary in Maine. Additionally, to mitigate regulatory lag for all infrastructure replacements (except meters), the Maine State Legislature has approved of WISC that allows for a surcharge to be added to customer bills semi-annually for certain pre-approved projects.
Infrastructure Investment
The water utility business is capital-intensive. In 2021 and 2020, company-funded capital improvements were $233,933 and $195,323, respectively, for additions to, or replacements of, property, plant and equipment for our Water Utility Services. We plan to spend approximately $222,823 in 2022 and $1,311,271 over the next five years for capital improvements, subject to CPUC, PURA, PUCT, and MPUC approval. SJW Group funds these expenditures through a variety of sources, including earnings received from operations, debt and equity financing, and other borrowings. SJW Group relies upon lines of credit to fund capital expenditures in the short term and has historically issued long-term debt to refinance our short-term debt. While
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our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a key risk, we believe that based on our 2021 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future.
Compliance with Environmental, Health and Safety Standards
Water Utility Services’ operations are subject to water quality and pollution control regulations issued by the EPA and environmental laws and regulations administered by the respective states and local regulatory agencies. Under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Utility Services is subject to regulation by the EPA of the quality of water it sells and treatment techniques it uses to make the water potable. The EPA promulgates nationally applicable standards, including maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. Water Utility Services has implemented monitoring activities and installed specific water treatment improvements enabling it to comply with existing maximum contaminant levels and plan for compliance with future drinking water regulations. However, the EPA and the respective state agencies have continuing authority to issue additional regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Water Utility Services incur substantial costs associated with compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality regulation to which our water services are subject.
Environmental, health and safety and water quality regulations are complex and change frequently, and the overall trend has been that they have become more stringent over time. It is possible that new or more stringent environmental standards and water quality regulations could be imposed that will increase Water Utility Services’ water quality compliance costs, hamper Water Utility Services’ available water supplies, and increase future capital expenditures. Future drinking water regulations may require increased monitoring, additional treatment of underground water supplies, fluoridation of all supplies, more stringent performance standards for treatment plants and procedures to further reduce levels of disinfection by-products. In the past, Water Utility Services have generally been able to recover expenses associated with compliance related to environmental, health and safety standards, but future recoveries could be affected by regulatory lag and the corresponding uncertainties surrounding rate recovery.
Production Expenses
Water Utility Services’ operations require significant production inputs which result in substantial production expenses. These expenses include power, which is used to operate pumps and other equipment, purchased water and groundwater extraction charges. For 2021, production expenses accounted for approximately 50% of our total operating expenses. Price increases associated with these production inputs would adversely impact our results of operations until rate relief is granted.
Customer Growth
Customer growth in our water Water Utility Services’ is driven by: (i) organic population growth within our authorized service areas and (ii) the addition of new customers to our regulated customer base by acquiring regulated water systems adjacent to or near our existing service territories. During 2021, we had cash outflows of $23,587 for business acquisitions and water rights which we believe will allow SJW Group to expand our regulated customer base, including the recent expanded customer base in Texas as a result of the Kendall West Utility and Bandera East Utility acquisition. Before entering new regulated markets, we evaluate the regulatory environment to ensure that we will have the opportunity to achieve an appropriate rate of return on our investment while maintaining our high standards for quality, reliability and compliance with environmental, health and safety and water quality standards.
Water Usage Per Customer
Fluctuations in customer demand for water could be due to seasonality, restrictions of use, weather or lifestyle choices, all of which could affect Water Utility Services’ results of operations. SJWC residential usage decreased 11.4% from 2020 to 2021 and increased 13.3% from 2019 to 2020. SJWC business usage decreased 2.7% and increased 1.4% from 2020 to 2021 and from 2019 to 2020, respectively. In addition, 2021 residential and business usage was lower by 0.09% and 5.25%, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2019-2021 general rate case. Residential usage and business usage in 2020 was 12.75% higher and 2.57% lower, respectively, than the amount authorized in our 2019-2021 general rate case. CLWSC residential and business usage decreased 8.5% from 2020 to 2021 and increased 13.6% from 2019 to 2020. CTWS residential usage decreased 4.5% and business usage increased 0.9% from 2020 to 2021 With the availability of the WRA in Connecticut that allows for recovery of authorized revenues, decreases in consumption year to year do not present the same financial risk as in our other water utility services utilities.
Weather Conditions, Seasonality and Sources of Water Supply
Our ability to meet the existing and future water demands of our customers depends on an adequate supply of water. Drought, governmental restrictions, overuse of sources of water, the protection of threatened species or habitats or other factors may limit the availability of ground and surface water. Also, customer usage of water is affected by weather conditions, in particular during the warmer months. Our water systems experience higher demand in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and
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increased usage by customers for outside irrigation of lawns and landscaping. In periods of drought, if customers are encouraged or required to conserve water due to a shortage of supply or restriction of use, revenue tends to be lower. Water use restrictions may be imposed at a regional or state level and may affect our service areas regardless of our readiness to meet unrestricted customer demands. Similarly, in unusually wet periods, water supply tends to be higher and customer demand tends to be lower, again resulting in lower revenues.
SJWC believes that its various sources of water supply, which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and purchased imported water, will be sufficient to meet customer demand for 2022. In addition, SJWC actively works with Valley Water to address California’s long-term water supply challenges by continuing to educate customers on responsible water use practices and to conduct long-range water supply planning. Connecticut Water and Maine Water believes that they will be able to meet customer demand for 2022 with their existing water supply which consists of groundwater from wells, surface water in reservoirs and purchased water treated by neighboring water utilities. CLWSC believes that it will be able to meet customer demand for 2022 with their water supply which consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA.
Results of Operations
Among other things, water sales are seasonal in nature and influenced by weather conditions. The timing of precipitation and climatic conditions can cause seasonal water consumption by customers to vary significantly. Revenue is generally higher in the warm, dry summer months when water usage and sales are greater and lower in the winter months when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall curtail water usage and sales.
See Item 1, “Business” for a discussion of SJW Group’s general business and regulatory activities.
Overview
SJW Group’s consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $60,478, compared to $61,515 for the same period in 2020. This represents a decrease of $1,037 or 2%, from 2020. The decrease in net income was primarily due to an increase in administrative and general expenses as a result of increased insurance costs and higher employee compensation, an increase in depreciation expense due to assets placed in service in 2020, an increase in maintenance expenses due to an increase in leak repairs, an increase in production costs due to higher average per unit costs for purchased water, groundwater extraction, energy charges, and a decrease in available surface water at SJWC, and an impairment of long-lived asset for a customer care and billing implementation project no longer being pursued by CLWSC. These increases were partially offset by an increase in revenue due to cumulative water rate increases and net recognition of certain balancing and memorandum accounts, offset by a decrease in usage. In addition, the sale of real estate investments and nonutility properties generated a pre-tax gain of $8,421 and the sale of Texas Water Alliance generated a $3,000 pre-tax gain.
COVID-19 Update
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on the global economy. Financial impacts experienced by SJW Group due to the COVID-19 pandemic include higher uncollectible accounts receivables and increased costs from COVID-19 related prevention activities. The regulators in the states SJW Group operates have approved mechanisms to either record a regulatory asset or track in a memorandum account expenses and savings related to COVID-19. SJWC and CLWSC have determined that future recovery of the amount related to COVID-19 activities is probable and have recognized the related regulatory assets. Probability criteria have not yet been met for CTWS. If a state regulator disagrees with the calculation of recorded COVID-19 account balances, we may be required to make adjustments that could adversely affect our results of operations. SJW Group continues to monitor COVID-19 developments affecting our business, employees and suppliers and will take additional precautions as management believes is necessary. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion.
Operating Revenue
Operating revenue by segment was as follows:
Operating Revenue
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The change in consolidated operating revenues was due to the following factors:
Water Utility Services:
Customer rate credits — — % 4,964 1 %
Texas winter storm customer credits (839) — % — — %
Balancing and memorandum accounts:
Cost of capital memorandum account 6 — % 22 — %
Water Conservation Memorandum Account 3,243 1 % 9,386 2 %
Tax Act 3 — % 137 — %
Other regulatory mechanisms 2,491 — % — — %
Real Estate Services (153) — % 135 — %
2021 vs. 2020
The revenue increase consists of $9,313 from Water Utility Services offset by a $153 decrease from Real Estate Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase in authorized rates which resulted in $25,179 of additional revenue, a net increase in revenue recognized from certain balancing and memorandum accounts of $3,941, an increase due to new customers of $2,896, and an increase in other regulatory mechanisms of $2,491, partially offset by a decrease in revenue of $24,702 due to lower usage and a decrease of $839 from the winter storm credits in Texas.
2020 vs. 2019
The revenue increase consists of $143,909 from Water Utility Services and $135 from Real Estate Services.
The revenue increase for Water Utility Services is primarily due to an increase of $111,183 due to higher customer usage primarily due to the acquisition of CTWS in October 2019. In addition, we experienced an increase in authorized rates which resulted in $12,234 of additional revenue and an increase from customer rate credits of $4,964 related to a CTWS merger commitment and as a result of our billing settlement with the CPUC. Also, in 2019, we wrote off the 2018 and 2019 WCMA balances as we determined these amounts were no longer probable of recovery. No similar write-off occurred in 2020.
Water Utility Services’ Operating Revenue and Customer Counts
The following tables present operating revenues and number of customers by customer group of Water Utility Services:
Operating Revenue by Customer Group
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Number of Customers
Operating Expense
Operating expense by segment was as follows:
Operating Expense
The change in consolidated operating expenses was due to the following factors:
Water production expenses:
Balance and memorandum account cost recovery 1,302 — % (3,421) (1) %
Balance and memorandum account cost recovery 942 — % 311 — %
Balance and memorandum account cost recovery 1,219 — % — — %
Property taxes and other non-income taxes 1,078 — % 10,818 3 %
Merger related expenses — — % (15,768) (4) %
Impairment of long lived assets 2,211 — % — — %
Sale of nonutility property (7,494) (2) % — — %
Sources of Water Supply
SJWC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from Valley Water under the terms of a master contract with Valley Water expiring in 2051. Surface water, which is the least expensive water supply, is sourced from SJWC’s 6,500 acre of watershed in the Santa Cruz mountains. Changes and variations in quantities from each of these sources affect the overall mix of the water supply, thereby affecting the cost of the water supply. In addition, the water rates for purchased water and the groundwater extraction charge
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may be increased by Valley Water at any time. If an increase occurs, then SJWC would file an advice letter with the CPUC seeking authorization to increase revenues to offset the rate increase.
Connecticut Water’s infrastructure consists of 65 noncontiguous water systems in the State of Connecticut. These systems, in total, consist of approximately 1,800 miles of water main and reservoir storage capacity of 2.4 billion gallons. The safe, dependable yield from our 235 active wells and 18 surface water supplies is approximately 65 million gallons per day. Water sources vary among the individual systems, but overall approximately 80% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 20% from wells.
CLWSC’s water supply consists of groundwater from wells and purchased treated and raw water from the GBRA. CLWSC has long-term agreements with the GBRA, which expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide CLWSC with an aggregate of 7,650 acre-feet of water per year from Canyon Lake at prices that may be adjusted periodically by GBRA. CLWSC also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, to provide for 250 acre-feet of water per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.
Maine Water’s infrastructure consists of 12 noncontiguous water systems in the State of Maine. These systems, in total, consists of approximately 600 miles of water main and reservoir storage capacity of 7.0 billion gallons. The safe, dependable yield from our 14 active wells and 7 surface water supplies is approximately 120 million gallons per day. Water sources vary among the individual systems, but overall approximately 90% of the total dependable yield comes from surface water supplies and 10% from wells.
The following table presents the sources of water supply for water utility services:
Source of Water Supply
(million gallons) (MG)
The percentages of water supply by source excluding reclaimed water by state is presented below:
Purchased Water Groundwater Surface Water
Water production in 2021 for water utility services decreased 2,563 million gallons from 2020. Water production in 2020 for water utility services increased 11,388 million gallons from 2019 primarily due to a full year of CTWS operations in 2020. The changes are primarily attributable to changes in consumption by customers and are consistent with the changes in the related water production expenses.
The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $5.0, $4.5 and $4.5 per million gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $4.6, $4.2 and $4.2 per million gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. SJWC’s unaccounted-for water for 2021 and 2020 approximated 7.8% and 6.5%, respectively, as a percentage of production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through the system, partially offset by SJWC’s main replacements and water loss reduction programs.
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Connecticut Water has an agreement with the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (“RWA”) to purchase water from RWA. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. Connecticut Water will pay RWA $75 per year as part of a capacity agreement, for a total of 14 years, starting on the effective date of the agreement and sunsetting in 2022. In addition, Connecticut Water is able, but under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then current wholesale rates per the agreement, $2.621 per million gallons as of December 31, 2021. Connecticut Water has an agreement with The Metropolitan District (“MDC”) to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of fifty years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. Connecticut Water has agreed to purchase 283 million gallons of water annually from MDC at the published retail rate, $4.05 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2021.
Maine Water has an agreement with the Kennebec Water District for potable water service. The agreement has been in place for 20 years and was extended on November 7, 2020 for a new term of up to 20 years. Maine Water guarantees a minimum consumption of 50 million gallons of water annually. Water sales to Maine Water are billed at a wholesale discount of $0.20 per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was $1.51 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2021.
CTWS’s unaccounted-for water for the period ending December 31, 2021 was approximately 14.3% as a percentage of total production. The unaccounted-for water estimate is based on the results of past experience and the impact of flows through CTWS’s systems, unadjusted for any required system flushing, partially offset by WICA and Water Infrastructure Surcharge (“WISC”) main replacement programs and lost water reduction initiatives.
The various components of operating expenses are discussed below.
Water production expenses
2021 vs. 2020
Water production expenses increased $11,626 in higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges, $3,897 as a result of decreased availability of California surface water in 2021 compared to 2020, and $1,302 due to changes in water production balancing and memorandum accounts, offset by a decrease of $13,534 due to a decrease in customer usage.
2020 vs. 2019
Water production expenses increased $33,864 due to an increase in customer usage including increases due to the October 2019 acquisition of CTWS, $18,992 as a result of decreased availability of California surface water in 2020 compared to 2019, and $588 in higher per unit costs paid for purchased water, groundwater extraction and energy charges, offset by a decrease of $3,421 due to changes in water production balancing and memorandum accounts. Valley Water did not increase the unit price of purchased water and groundwater extraction fees for their fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020.
Administrative and General Expense
Administrative and general expenses include payroll related to administrative and general functions, all employee benefits charged to expense accounts, insurance expenses, legal fees, regulatory utility commissions’ expenses, expenses associated with being a public company, and general corporate expenses.
2021 vs. 2020
Administrative and general expense increased $7,591 in 2021, or 2%, in comparison to 2020. The increase consisted primarily of $1,928 in group health insurance costs, $1,542 increase in compensation, $1,229 increase in insurance expense, $1,108 increase in uncollectible accounts due to a credit recorded in 2020 for the Current Expected Credit Loss adoption, $1,104 increase in contracted work, and $703 increase in rate case expenses.
2020 vs. 2019
Administrative and general expense increased $13,440 in 2020, or 4%, in comparison to 2019. The increase consisted primarily of $17,793 due to the addition of CTWS’s operations, partially offset by a decrease of $4,520 due to integration costs incurred in 2019 related to the merger that did not recur in 2020.
Maintenance Expense
Maintenance expense increased $3,873 in 2021, or 17%, in comparison to 2020, and increased $1,653 in 2020, or less than 1%, in comparison to 2019. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to increases of $2,402 in contract, repairs and maintenance, and
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materials expense as a result of increased leaks, $1,298 due to a favorable change in the probability assessment of regulatory recovery of a hydro-turbine generator project reserve established in a prior year, and $408 increase in compensation. The increase in 2020 consisted primarily of $3,639 due to the addition of CTWS’s operations, offset by a decrease of $1,745 in SJWC primarily due to a change in the probability assessment of regulatory recovery of the hydro-turbine generator project.
Property Taxes and Other Non-income Taxes
Property taxes and other non-income taxes for 2021 and 2020 increased $1,078 and $10,818 from the prior years, respectively. The increase in 2021 was primarily a result of increased utility plant. The increase in 2020 was primarily due to the addition of $10,603 related to CTWS’s operations. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2022 for property taxes and other non-income taxes due to increases in utility plant.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5,121 in 2021, or 1%, in comparison to 2020, and increased $23,687 in 2020, or 6%, in comparison to 2019. The increases were primarily due to increases in utility plant. In addition, the increase in 2020 also included $16,380 due to the the addition of CTWS’s operations. SJW Group anticipates increases in 2022 for depreciation expense due to increases in utility plant.
Impairment of long-lived asset
Impairment of long-lived asset increased $2,211 in 2021 due to the write-off of a customer care and billing system implementation in Texas.
Sale of nonutility properties
Sale of nonutility properties increased $7,494 in 2021 primarily due to the sales of multiple vacant land properties located in California.
Other Income and Expense
The change in other (expense) income in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily due to a $3,000 pre-tax gain on sale from the release of a holdback amount by GBRA for the sale of TWA recorded in 2017 and $1,704 decrease in pension non-service cost due to an increase on the return of pension assets and an increase in the discount rate.
The change in other (expense) income in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of the issuance of SJW Group’s Series 2019A, 2019B, 2019C and 2020 notes. In addition, interest income decreased due to the use of previously invested money market funds for the merger with CTWS. The new CTWS operations generated an additional increase of $5,144 in expense.
SJW Group’s consolidated weighted-average cost of long-term debt, including the mortgages and the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 4.1%, 4.3% and 4.4% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019.
Provision for Income Taxes
Income tax expense for 2021 was $8,369, compared to $8,380 in 2020. The effective consolidated income tax rate was 12% for 2021, 12% for 2020 and 26% for 2019. The effective income tax rate decreased from 2019 due to flow-through deductions and the absence of the write-off of non-deductible merger costs in 2020 and 2021.
Please refer to Note 7, “Income Taxes,” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of actual to expected income tax expense.
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
The change in other comprehensive income in 2021 and 2020 was primarily due to the change in the benefit obligation for Connecticut Water’s supplemental executive retirement agreements as a result of a change in the discount rate.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Water Utility Services’ business derives the majority of its revenue directly from residential and business customers. Water Utility Services bills the majority of its customers on a bi-monthly basis. Payments from customers are impacted by the general economic conditions in the areas where SJW Group operates. Payment delinquencies are mitigated by service interruptions due to non-payment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In California, the current state executive order suspending water service disconnections due to non-payment by customers expired December 31, 2021. However, the CPUC directed that regulated water utilities continue to suspend customer disconnections until February 1, 2022. There are currently no such orders effective
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in the other states where we operate. There is no guarantee that the Regulators will extend or reinstate such orders. As of December 31, 2021, the change in allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to adjustments made for the effect of COVID-19 on our customers. Impacts to allowance for doubtful accounts related to COVID-19 are being recorded for future recovery through the rate-making process. On February 3, 2022, SJWC received $9,757 through the State of California Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program to relieve outstanding payment delinquencies for customers accounts greater that 60-days past due as of June 30, 2021. Write-offs for uncollectible accounts remain less than 1% of total revenue consistent with prior year. Management believes that the accounts receivable aging will continue to deteriorate throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic as long as the moratoriums on water service disconnections for non-payment continue in California. There is no guarantee that such recovery will be approved by the respective state regulatory utility commissions.
Funds collected from Water Utility Services’ customers are used to pay for water production expenses, in addition to costs associated with general operations. Funds were also generated from borrowings. In 2021, SJW Group and its subsidiaries obtained $247,000 in funds from new long-term debt. From these amounts, SJW Group funded its 2021 capital expenditure programs refinanced certain short and long-term borrowings, and funded working capital. See Note 6 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for discussion on the debt financing activities of SJW Group. In addition, SJW Group paid cash dividends of approximately $40,137 during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The condition of the capital and credit markets or the strength of financial institutions could impact SJW Group’s ability to draw on its lines of credit, issue long-term debt, sell its equity or earn interest income. In addition, government policies, the state of the credit markets and other factors could result in increased interest rates, which would increase SJW Group’s cost of capital. While our ability to obtain financing will continue to be a risk, we believe that based on our 2021 activities, we will have access to the external funding sources necessary to implement our on-going capital investment programs in the future. The current Standard & Poor’s Rating Service assigned company rating for SJW Group is an A-, with a stable outlook, for SJWC is an A, with a stable outlook, and for Connecticut Water is an A- with a stable outlook.
In 2021, the common dividends declared and paid on SJW Group’s common stock represented 66% of net income. Dividends have been paid on SJW Group’s and its predecessor’s common stock for 313 consecutive quarters and the annual dividend amount has increased in each of the last 54 years. While historically SJW Group has generally paid dividends equal to approximately 50% to 60% of its net income, SJW Group cannot guarantee that this trend will continue in the future.
Cash Flow from Operations
In 2021, SJW Group generated cash flow from operations of approximately $130,040 compared to $104,051 in 2020 and $130,005 in 2019. Cash flow from operations is primarily generated by net income from revenue producing activities, adjusted for non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gains on the sale of assets, and other changes in working capital items. Cash flow from operations increased in 2021 by approximately $26,000. The increase was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) increase in collections of previously billed and accrued receivables by $13,000, (2) an increase in general working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items increase by $6,800, (3) payments of previously invoiced and accrued payables or amounts, decreased by $5,200, and (4) a $5,000 up-front service concession payment that occurred in the previous year, offset by (5) an increase in accrued groundwater extraction charges, purchased water and power of $4,000. Cash flow from operations decreased in 2020 by approximately $25,900. The decrease was primarily due to a combination of the following factors: (1) a decrease in collections of the balancing and memorandum accounts by $45,300, (2) a decrease in collections of previously billed and accrued receivables by $15,000, (3) a decrease in the other noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities of $6,700 primarily from an increase in payments for executive and board deferrals for retirees and deferred tax changes, and (4) an up-front payment of $5,000 for renewal of the Cupertino service concession agreement, offset by (5) general working capital and net income, adjusted for non-cash items which increased by $46,100.
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
In 2021, SJW Group used approximately $234,000 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $23,600 for SJWTX, Inc.’s acquisition of Kendall West Utility and Bandera East Utility, $17,100 for developer funded capital expenditures, $2,800 in utility plant retirement costs, and $800 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $18,200 from the sale of Texas Water Alliance, real estate investments and nonutility properties. In 2020, SJW Group used approximately $195,300 of cash for Company funded capital expenditures, $17,100 for developer funded capital expenditures, $2,600 in utility plant retirement costs, and $400 for real estate investments related to leasehold improvement additions for the properties located in Knoxville, Tennessee. These uses were offset by cash proceeds of $1,200 from the sale of real estate investments and utility property.
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Water Utility Services budgeted capital expenditures for 2022, excluding capital expenditures financed by customer contributions and advances is estimated as follows:
Budgeted CapitalExpenditures2022
Wastewater treatment 6,299 3 %
Source of supply 6,964 3 %
Reservoirs and tanks 15,165 7 %
Pump stations and equipment 14,433 6 %
The 2022 capital expenditures budget is concentrated in main replacements. Included in the distribution system budgeted capital expenditures of $128,592 is approximately $101,526 that is planned to be spent to replace Water Utility Services’ pipes and mains.
Water Utility Services’ capital expenditures are incurred in connection with normal upgrading and expansion of existing facilities and to comply with environmental regulations. Over the next five years, Water Utility Services expects to incur approximately $1,311,271 in capital expenditures. A significant portion of this amount is subject to future approval from the Regulators. Capital expenditures have the effect of increasing utility plant rate base on which Water Utility Services earns a return. Water Utility Services’ actual capital expenditures may vary from projections due to changes in the expected demand for services, weather patterns, actions by governmental agencies and general economic conditions. Total additions to utility plant normally exceed company-financed additions as a result of new facilities construction funded with advances from developers and contributions in aid of construction.
The Water Utility Services’ distribution systems were constructed during the period from the early 1900’s through today. Expenditure levels for renewal and modernization will occur as the components reach the end of their useful lives. In most cases, replacement cost will significantly exceed the original installation cost of the retired assets due to increases in the costs of goods and services and increased regulation.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, increased by approximately $31,300 from the same period in the prior year, primarily as a result of increase in cash proceeds from long-term debt issued in current year, cash proceeds from issuances of common stock, and increase in cash receipts of advances and contributions in aid of construction, partially offset by an decrease in the amount of net borrowings on our lines of credit and an increase in payments for dividends. SJW Group’s cash management policy includes the issuance of long-term debt to pay down borrowings on our lines of credit. As such, during years when long-term borrowings are high, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be low and when long-term borrowings are low, borrowings on our line of credit tend to be high.
SJWC, CTWS and SJWTX, Inc. have unsecured bank lines of credit totaling $260,000 as of December 31, 2021. Drawdowns on our lines of credit are restricted by our funded debt not exceeding a percent of total capitalization as defined in our debt covenants. SJW Group expects to periodically draw down on its lines of credit as dictated by our funding needs and subsequently repay such borrowings with cash from operations and issuance of long-term debt or equity. See also “Sources of Capital” below.
Sources of Capital
SJW Group’s regulated operations ability to finance future construction programs and sustain dividend payments depends on its ability to maintain or increase internally generated funds and obtain external financing through the issuance of new long-term debt or issuance of equity. The level of future earnings and the related cash flow from operations is dependent, in large part, on the timing and outcome of regulatory proceedings. SJW Group’s regulated operations financing activity is designed to achieve capital structures consistent with regulatory guidelines in the locations where the companies operate. See current authorized capital structures in Item 1, “Business” under “Regulation and Rates.”
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Short-term Financing Arrangements
SJW Group and its subsidiaries have unsecured line of credit agreements where borrowings are used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. A summary of the line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2021, and 2020 are as follows:
Maturity Date Line Limit Amounts Outstanding Unused Portion Amounts Outstanding
___________________________________
(a)Credit agreement also provides for a letter of credit sublimit of $15,000.
(b)Credit agreement also provides for a letter of credit sublimit of $1,000.
On April 23, 2021, SJWC closed its $140,000 line of credit agreement which was set to mature on June 1, 2021, and entered into a new $140,000 credit agreement (“SJWC Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). The SJWC Credit Agreement provides an unsecured credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $15,000. Proceeds of borrowings under the SJWC Credit Agreement may be used to refinance existing debt, for working capital, and for general corporate purposes. The new SJWC Credit Agreement has a maturity date of December 31, 2023. The line of credit bears interest at variable rates.
Also on April 23, 2021, SJW Group, as guarantor, and CLWSC closed its $5,000 line of credit agreement which was set to mature on June 1, 2021, and entered into a new $5,000 credit agreement (“SJWTX Credit Agreement”) with the Lender. The SJWTX Credit Agreement provides an unsecured credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $1,000. The new SJWTX Credit Agreement has a maturity date of December 31, 2023.
Cost of borrowing on the lines of credit averaged 1.32% and 1.78% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
All of SJW Group’s and subsidiaries lines of credit contain customary representations, warranties and events of default, as well as certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments, asset sales, and fundamental changes. All of the lines of credit also include certain customary financial covenants such as a funded debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2021, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants on their lines of credit.
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Long-term Financing Arrangements
SJW Group and its subsidiaries long-term debt activities are for purposes of refinancing short-term borrowings, funding capital expenditures and working capital, and repayments of maturing long-term debt. The following table summarizes the long-term debt issuances and repayments for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Issuance (Repayment) Activity Date Maturity Date
SJW Group:
SJWC:
CTWS:
Connecticut Water:
SJWTX, Inc.:
Maine Water:
The debt and credit agreements of SJW Group and its subsidiaries contain various financial and other covenants. Non-compliance with these covenants could result in accelerated due dates and termination of the agreements. In addition, the credit agreements contain customary representations and warranties and are subject to customary events of default, which may result in the outstanding debt becoming immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2021, SJW Group and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all covenants related to its long-term debt agreements.
Equity Financing Arrangements
On March 8, 2021, SJW Group entered into an underwriting agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as the representative of the several underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), which provided for the issuance and sale by SJW Group to the Underwriters 1,030,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share, in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”). The shares in the Offering were sold at a public offering price of $59.00 per share. SJW Group also granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 154,500 additional shares of common stock, which was exercised in full. The Offering closed on March 11, 2021, and the offering of option shares closed on March 16, 2021. SJW Group received net proceeds of approximately $66,775 from the Offering and the sale of option shares, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. SJW Group used the proceeds from the offerings to pay down a bank line of credit agreement, dated as of June 1, 2016, between SJWC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and for general corporate purposes, which included, among other things, financing infrastructure improvements and other capital expenditures, repayment of debt or other corporate obligations and working capital.
On November 17, 2021, SJW Group entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (each a “Sales Agent” and, collectively, the “Sales Agents”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Shares”), from time to time in “at-the-market” offerings, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $100,000. Pursuant to the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Shares may be offered and sold through the Sales Agents in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act
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of 1933, as amended, including sales by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, in block transactions, or as otherwise agreed upon by the Company and the Sales Agents. Proceeds from the sale of the shares under the Equity Distribution Agreement can be used in the financing of acquisitions, including the acquisition of the Kendall West and Bandera East utilities in Texas, infrastructure improvements and other capital expenditures, repayment of debt or other corporate obligations, and working capital over the term of the Equity Distribution Agreement as such needs arise. SJW Group issued and sold a total of 355,115 shares of common stock with a weighted average price of $70.40 per share and received approximately $24,253 in net proceeds under the Equity Distribution Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement/Contractual Obligations
SJW Group has no significant contractual obligations not fully recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheet or not fully disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SJW Group’s contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:
Total Contractual Obligations Due in
Less than1 Year 1-3Years 3-5Years After5 Years
Connecticut Innovations Revenue Bonds, Connecticut Water 22,050 — — — 22,050
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(1) As of December 31, 2021, advances for construction was $130,693 of which $36,388 was related to non-refundable advances for construction and $28,445 was related to advances which are refundable based on service connections made.
In regards to uncertain tax positions, we are unable to predict the timing of tax settlements as tax audits can involve complex issues and the resolution of those issues may span multiple years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. For further discussion on uncertain tax positions, please see Note 7 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Water Supply Agreements
SJWC purchases water from Valley Water under terms of a master contract expiring in 2051. Delivery schedules for purchased water are based on a contract year beginning July 1, and are negotiated every three years under terms of the master contract with Valley Water. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, SJWC purchased from Valley Water 19,365 million gallons ($91,938), 21,269 million gallons ($96,212) and 21,862 million gallons ($96,285), respectively, of contract water. On June 24, 2021, Valley Water Board of Directors approved treated water deliveries reflecting the contractual delivery schedule reduced by 23% through June 30, 2022. Effective February 1, 2022, the treated water contract delivery schedule will increase by 10%, and Valley Water will evaluate supply conditions and adjust the delivery schedules as appropriate. Based on current prices and estimated deliveries, SJWC is committed to purchase from Valley Water a minimum of 90% of the reduced delivery schedule, or 18,756 million gallons ($92,902) of water at the current contract water rate of $5.0 per million gallons in the year ending December 31, 2022. Additionally, SJWC purchases non-contract water from Valley Water on an “as needed” basis if the water supply is available. The contract water rates for SJWC are determined by Valley Water. These rates are adjusted periodically and coincide with Valley Water’s fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The contract water rate for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $5.0, $4.5 and $4.5 per million gallons, respectively. The contractual cost of the groundwater extraction charge for water pumped from the ground basin was $4.6, $4.2 and $4.2 per million gallons for Valley Water’s fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
SJWC also pumps water from the local groundwater basin. There are no delivery schedules or contractual obligations associated with the purchase of groundwater. Valley Water determines the groundwater extraction charge and it is applied on a
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per unit basis. In addition to the Valley Water groundwater extraction charge, SJWC also incurs power costs to pump the groundwater from the basin.
Connecticut Water has an agreement with the RWA to purchase water. The agreement was signed in April 2006 and became effective upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2008 and will remain in effect for a minimum of fifty years upon becoming effective. Connecticut Water will pay RWA $75 per year as part of a capacity agreement, for a total of 14 years, starting on the effective date of the agreement. In addition, Connecticut Water has the option, but is under no obligation, to purchase up to one million gallons of water per day at the then current wholesale rates per the agreement ($2.6 per million gallons as of December 31, 2021). Connecticut Water has an agreement with the MDC to purchase water from MDC to serve the Unionville system. The agreement became effective on October 6, 2000 and has a term of fifty years beginning May 19, 2003, the date the water supply facilities related to the agreement were placed in service. Connecticut Water has agreed to purchase 283 million gallons of water annually from MDC. The rate charged by the MDC at December 31, 2021 were $4.05 per hundred cubic feet.
Maine Water has an agreement with the Kennebec Water District for potable water service. The agreement has been in place for 20 years and was extended on November 7, 2020 for a new term of up to 20 years. Maine Water guarantees a minimum consumption of 50 million gallons of water annually. Water sales to Maine Water are billed at a wholesale discount of $0.20 per hundred cubic feet of water below Kennebec Water District's tariffed rates. The current tariff rate was $1.51 per hundred cubic feet as of December 31, 2021.
CLWSC has long-term contracts with the GBRA. The agreements expire in 2037, 2040, 2044 and 2050. The agreements, which are take-or-pay contracts, provide CLWSC with 7,650 acre-feet per year of water supply from Canyon Lake. The water rate may be adjusted by GBRA at any time, provided GBRA gives CLWSC a 60-day written notice on the proposed adjustment. CLWSC also has raw water supply agreements with the LCRA and WTPUA expiring in 2059 and 2046, respectively, for 250 acre-feet of water per each agreement per year from Lake Austin and the Colorado River, respectively, at prices that may be adjusted periodically by the agencies.
Employee Benefit Arrangements
SJWC and CTWS sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. In 2021, SJWC and CTWS contributed $13,147 and $669 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. In 2022, SJWC and CTWS expect to make required and discretionary cash contributions of up to $8,820 to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The amount of required contributions for years thereafter is not actuarially determinable.
SJWC’s other benefit obligations include employees’ and directors’ postretirement benefits, an Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Cash Balance Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, Special Deferral Election Plan and Deferral Election Program for non-employee directors. Under these benefit plans, SJWC is committed to pay approximately $498 annually to former officers and directors. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire.
CTWS’s other benefit obligations include employees’ postretirement benefits, supplemental executive retirement agreements and deferred compensation agreements and plan. Future payments may fluctuate depending on the contribution rates of employees into the deferred compensation plan and the life span of the retirees and as current officers and executives retire. Under these benefit plans, CTWS is committed to pay approximately $846 annually to former officers and directors.
Recently Adopted Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements