Water issues are becoming more important across the country and it is important that water companies survey customers in order to sustain public confidence when rate increases are required. Throughout the country water utility companies have submitted rate increase requests to the Public Utility Commission, which has caused public concern in many cities and communities. Residents in cities and communities still feel they’re reeling from unemployment, stagnate wages, devalued properties and other financial setbacks and feel that rate increases are not justified.
Many of the proposed rate increases are necessary for the investment and replacement of aging infrastructure, such as old or problematic water mains, valves, meters and other capital improvements for the water system.
Sandy Creek Utilities and Bayside Utilities are owned by the only remaining private water utility in Bay County Florida. After years of customer complaints for shoddy service and high rate to the County Commission, the final pieces of a complex puzzle are coming together in Bay County that will remove Sandy Creek Utilities and Bayside Utilities from the county.
While the utilities look to make improvements in their water systems and submit requests for rate increases, it is important for the utilities to understand customer sentiment. Conducting scientific surveys of customers will provide value insights into customer sentiment that will allow the utilities to develop implement the necessary public education and outreach and position the utilities to improve customer relationships and retain their customer base.
