Global Water Resources Outlines $70M Rate Base Expansion

Company signals focus on expense control for 2026 amid higher capex and rate case delays

Mar. 5, 2026 at 8:06pm

Global Water Resources (GWRS) outlined plans for a $70 million rate base expansion during its Q4 2025 earnings call. The company also signaled a focus on expense control for 2026 as it faces higher capital expenditures and rate case delays for its Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities Company subsidiaries.

Why it matters

Global Water Resources' rate base expansion and focus on expense control are key to maintaining profitability and funding future growth amid rising costs and regulatory challenges. The company's ability to manage expenses and navigate the rate case process will be critical to its financial performance in the coming years.

The details

During the earnings call, Global Water Resources Chairman, CEO and President Ron Fleming outlined plans for a $70 million rate base expansion, which will help fund infrastructure upgrades and growth initiatives. However, the company is also facing higher capital expenditures and delays in its rate cases for its Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities Company subsidiaries, putting pressure on expenses.

  • Global Water Resources reported its Q4 2025 earnings on March 5, 2026.

The players

Global Water Resources, Inc.

A water resource management company that provides water, wastewater and recycled water utility services.

Ron Fleming

Chairman, CEO and President of Global Water Resources.

Santa Cruz Water Company

A subsidiary of Global Water Resources that provides water and wastewater services in Santa Cruz, California.

Palo Verde Utilities Company

A subsidiary of Global Water Resources that provides water and wastewater services in the Palo Verde region.

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What they’re saying

“including 2024 and 2025, the test year and post test year for our Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities Company rate case, we have increased the rate base by approximately $70 million”

— Ron Fleming, Chairman, CEO & President

What’s next

Global Water Resources plans to focus on expense control in 2026 as it navigates the higher capital expenditures and rate case delays for its Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities Company subsidiaries.

The takeaway

Global Water Resources' rate base expansion and focus on expense control are critical to maintaining profitability and funding future growth amid rising costs and regulatory challenges. The company's ability to manage expenses and navigate the rate case process will be key to its financial performance in the coming years.