EPCOR’s New Mexico Vice President of Operations, Daniel Bailet, speaks to Edgewood residents, mayor and councilors (water forum held in July 2018) about the costs and follie of the Town of Edgewood’s efforts for a hostile take over of the water system using the condemnation process. He unequivocally states EPCOR will fight “with every means possible” to keep the town from taking this private company. If the town abandons process or loses in court, the town will be on the hook for all of EPCOR’s expenses necessary to protect it’s business. WATCH the VIDEO
Advantage of EPCOR:
Expertise in water management; long track record of safe and efficient operations; Ability to fund upgrades and system maintenance; Skilled professionals and resources; Low, single digit profit margin (PRC oversight, consumer protections)
Disadvantages of Town-owned Water System:
Town has no experience in water management; town’s wastewater operations shows inability to handle waster water, how would they handle drinking water; town lacks resources to maintain and upgrade system; town would not be under PRC regulation (no consumer protections against big rate hikes); many larger towns in NM hire professional water management companies to assure safe efficient operations.
EPCOR has offered to work with the town on their wastewater system, and to address the taste of local water (due to naturally-occurring minerals in this area). The town has publicly rejected the offers of help.
