During the recent City Council meeting in Redlands, significant discussions centered around a revised agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding the supply of recycled water from the city's wastewater treatment plant. This agreement, originally established over 20 years ago, has undergone substantial changes to better reflect current needs and operational realities.

The previous contract mandated SCE to either take 3,000 acre-feet of recycled water annually or pay for it, regardless of actual usage. However, SCE typically utilized less than half of that amount. The new agreement proposes a reduction of the take-or-pay volume to 1,500 acre-feet, which is expected to benefit the city by alleviating the need to reserve excess water that was rarely used.

Currently, Redlands has around 75 to 80 active recycled water customers, with an equal number on a waiting list. The revised agreement is anticipated to enable the city to serve these additional customers, thereby expanding access to recycled water.

Moreover, the updated contract incorporates modern language and provisions that allow both parties to exit the agreement under certain conditions, a significant shift from the previous terms that favored SCE. The new terms also simplify the pricing structure, moving away from a complex scheme that included various deductions based on water quality standards and supply interruptions. Instead, SCE will now pay a straightforward unit price for the recycled water, with a 3.75% annual increase built into the contract.

This modernization of the agreement not only streamlines operations but also aligns with current regulations, ensuring that the city can continue to provide reliable recycled water services while meeting the needs of its growing customer base. The council's decision to revise this contract reflects a proactive approach to water management in the face of evolving demands and regulatory landscapes.