Uncertainty precipitated by the COVID-19 economic disruption has left utilities in a difficult situation, particularly for those transitioning into new fiscal years. Annually, July 1 is the start of the fiscal year for 37 of the 100 municipal utilities analyzed by Bluefield Research. Looking at these recently updated plans sheds light on immediate responses to quarantines, shutdowns, and subsequent revenue impacts.
The analysis indicates that municipal utility planning departments are still grappling, if not kicking the can down the road in some cases, with the realities of the current market downturn. The budgetary changes from last year vary from extreme reduction to budget increases, to flatlining.
In this Data Insight:
- COVID-19 response
- Percent change in total CAPEX projections from 2020 to 2029
- Capital Improvement Plan ten-year-overview
- 37 U.S. utility profiles (post Covid-19 updates)
Bluefield will analyze the remaining 67 utilities in this top 100 after their new plans are published in January 2021 to gauge their response to COVID-19-related upheaval.
