press release

January 31, 2003

WATER CUSTOMERS TO RECEIVE REFUNDS

Sweetwater Authority will soon refund $420,000 to water customers in Chula Vista, Bonita, and National City. The Authority will refund fees collected to pay “balancing account” charges proposed by SDG&E. Those charges were eliminated in a December 19, 2002 agreement between SDG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.

Sweetwater Authority collected fees between September 1, 2001 and January 31, 2003. The average residential customer will receive a credit of just over $7, according to General Manager Dennis Bostad. Bostad said credit would be applied to water bills mailed to customers beginning March 7.

Sweetwater Authority provides water to 177,000 residents in National City, Bonita, and western and central Chula Vista. With the exception of large industry, customers are billed bi-monthly.

-END-