MIDDLESEX WATER CO - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

OR

For the transition period from _________________ to______________________

Commission File Number     0-422

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

485C Route One South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(732) 634-1500

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☑   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post files).

Yes ☑   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes ☐   No ☑

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of April 28, 2023: Common Stock, No Par Value: 17,681,092 shares outstanding.

INDEX

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Recent Developments

Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) is the parent company and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands), Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), and Utility Service Affiliates  (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA). Southern Shores Water Company, LLC (Southern Shores) and White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. (White Marsh) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tidewater. The financial statements for Middlesex and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are reported on a consolidated basis. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The consolidated notes within the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 2022 Form 10-K) are applicable to these financial statements and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary (including normal recurring accruals) to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2023 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Information included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022, has been derived from the Company’s December 31, 2022 audited financial statements included in the 2022 Form 10-K.

Recent Developments

Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance – In September 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Notice of Non-Compliance (Notice) to Middlesex based on self-reporting by Middlesex that the level of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in water treated at its Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant in South Plainfield, New Jersey exceeded a standard promulgated in a NJDEP regulation that became effective in 2021. The NJDEP standard for PFOA was developed based on a Health-based Maximum Contaminant Level of 14 parts per trillion. Neither the NJDEP nor Middlesex had characterized this exceedance as an acute health threat. However, Middlesex was required by the regulation to notify its affected customers and complied in November 2021.

The Notice further required the Company to take any action necessary to comply with the new standard by September 7, 2022. Prior to 2023, the Company began design for construction of an enhanced treatment process at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant to comply with the new standard prior to the regulation being enacted. At that time, the completion of enhanced treatment process was not expected until mid-2023. Consequently, in November 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements, which included putting the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant in off-line status and obtaining alternate sources of supply. Subsequently, in June 2022, the Company accelerated the in-service date for a portion of the enhanced treatment project that allowed a restart of the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant and it is effectively treating the ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.

On September 13, 2022, the Company entered into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) with the NJDEP, which requires the Company to take whatever actions are necessary to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, N.J.S.A, 58:12A-1 et seq., and the Safe Drinking Water Act regulations N.J.A.C. 7:10-1 et seq., including applicable public notifications. The Company’s agreement to enter into an ACO avoided any further Notice regarding the fact that the permanent treatment solution was not in service by September 7, 2022. As prescribed in the ACO, the Company will issue periodic public notifications until the ACO is closed. In addition, in accordance with the ACO:

The Company’s failure to comply with the compliance schedule and/or progress reporting requirements of the ACO could lead to penalties up to $500 per day. In addition, the NJDEP could penalize the Company for other violations, if any, of the ACO.

In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other claimed related costs. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability which may result from these lawsuits. In May 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in one of these class action lawsuits. The Company had previously initiated a separate lawsuit  against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as “PFAS”), which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility.

In January 2022, the Company filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking to establish a regulatory asset and deferred accounting treatment until its next base rate setting proceeding for all costs associated with the interim solution to comply with the Notice. The Company is currently awaiting a decision on this matter from the NJBPU.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic – In January 2023, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services renewed the determination that a nationwide health emergency exists as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic with an announced end to the nationwide health emergency on May 11, 2023. While the Company’s operations and capital construction program have not been materially disrupted to date from the pandemic, the COVID-19 impact on economic conditions nationally continues to be uncertain and could affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity in the future. In New Jersey, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency ended in March 2022. In Delaware, the declared COVID-19 State of Emergency Order ended in July 2021.

The NJBPU and the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) have approved the tracking of COVID-19 related incremental costs for potential recovery in customer rates in future rate proceedings. Middlesex must file a petition with the NJBPU for cost recovery of COVID-19 related incremental costs by May 15, 2023. Delaware has not established a timetable or definitive formal procedures for seeking cost recovery. The Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts for higher accounts receivable write-offs due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on customers. We will continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate its impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Recent Accounting Guidance

There is no new adopted or proposed accounting guidance that the Company is aware of that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters

Middlesex – In December 2021, Middlesex’s base rate case was concluded, by negotiated settlement, resulting in an expected increase in annual operating revenues of $27.7 million. The increase was implemented in two phases with $20.7 million of the increase effective January 1, 2022 and the remaining $7.0 million effective January 1, 2023. As part of the settlement, the Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC), which is a rate mechanism that allows for recovery of increased purchased water costs between base rate case filings, was reset to zero.

In September 2022, the NJBPU approved Middlesex's Emergency Relief Motion to reset its PWAC tariff rate to recover additional costs of $2.7 million for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated water utility. The increase, effective October 1, 2022, is on an interim basis and subject to refund with interest, pending final resolution of this matter, which is expected in the second quarter of 2023.

Pinelands – On April 12, 2023, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater concluded their base rate case matters when the NJBPU approved a combined $1.0 million increase in base rates, effective April 15, 2023. The requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments the companies have made as well as increased operations and maintenance costs.

Twin Lakes Utilities, Inc. (Twin Lakes) – Twin Lakes provides water services to approximately 115 residential customers in Shohola, Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code, Twin Lakes filed a petition requesting the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC) to order the acquisition of Twin Lakes by a capable public utility. The PAPUC assigned an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to adjudicate the matter and submit a recommended decision (Recommended Decision) to the PAPUC. As part of this legal proceeding the PAPUC also issued an Order in January 2021 appointing a large Pennsylvania based investor-owned water utility as the receiver (the Receiver Utility) of the Twin Lakes system until the petition is fully adjudicated by the PAPUC. In November 2021, the PAPUC issued an Order affirming the ALJ’s Recommended Decision, ordering the Receiver Utility to acquire the Twin Lakes water system and for Middlesex, the parent company of Twin Lakes, to submit $1.7 million into an escrow account within 30 days. Twin Lakes immediately filed a Petition For Review (PFR) with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (the Commonwealth Court) seeking reversal and vacation of the escrow requirement on the grounds that it violates the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code as well as the United States Constitution. In addition, Twin Lakes filed an emergency petition for stay of the PAPUC Order pending the Commonwealth Court’s review of the merits arguments contained in Twin Lakes’ PFR. In December 2021, the Commonwealth Court granted Twin Lakes’ emergency petition, pending its review. In August 2022, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion upholding PAPUC’s November 2021 Order in its entirety. In September 2022, Twin Lakes filed a Petition For Allowance of Appeal (Appeal Petition) to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania seeking reversal of the Commonwealth Court’s decision to uphold the escrow requirement on the grounds that the Commonwealth Court erred in failing to address Twin Lakes’ claims that because the $1.7 million escrow requirement placed on Middlesex violated Middlesex’s constitutional rights, Middlesex’s refusal to submit this escrow payment so as not to surrender its constitutional rights would jeopardize the relief Twin Lakes was otherwise entitled to in the appointment of the Receiver Utility. In March 2023, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued a decision denying Twin Lakes’ Appeal Petition without addressing this claim on the merits. As a result of the Pennsylvania Courts’ failure to address Twin Lakes’ claim, Middlesex has subsequently filed a Complaint with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania to address the issue of whether the PAPUC’s Order violated Middlesex’s rights under the United States Constitution.

The financial results, total assets and financial obligations of Twin Lakes are not material to Middlesex.

Note 3 – Capitalization

Common Stock – During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 29,810 common shares (approximately $2.3 million) and 29,485 common shares (approximately $2.9 million) respectively, issued under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (the Investment Plan).

In April 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to issue and sell up to 1.0 million shares of its common stock, without par value, through December 31, 2025. Sales of additional shares of common stock are part of the Company’s comprehensive financing plan to fund its multi-year utility plant infrastructure investment program. As described below in “Long-term Debt”, the NJBPU also approved the debt funding component of the financing plan.

In March 2023, the Company began offering shares of its common stock for purchase at a 3% discount to participants in the Investment Plan. The discount offering will continue until 200,000 shares are purchased at the discounted price or December 1, 2023, whichever event occurs first. The discount applies to all common stock purchases made under the Investment Plan, whether by optional cash payment or by dividend reinvestment.

In February 2023, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking to increase the number of authorized shares under the Investment Plan by 0.7 million shares. The Company expects a decision on the request during the second quarter of 2023.

Long-term Debt – Subject to regulatory approval, the Company periodically issues long-term debt to fund its investments in utility plant. To the extent possible and fiscally prudent, the Company finances qualifying capital projects under State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan programs in New Jersey and Delaware. These government programs provide financing at interest rates typically below rates available in the broader financial markets. A portion of the borrowings under the New Jersey SRF is interest-free.

Under the New Jersey SRF program, borrowers first enter into a construction loan agreement with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) at a below market interest rate. When construction on the qualifying project is substantially complete, NJIB will coordinate the conversion of the construction loan into a long-term securitized loan with a portion of the principal balance having a stated interest rate of zero percent (0%) and a portion of the principal balance at a market interest rate at the time of closing using the credit rating of the State of New Jersey.

Although the Company’s has no current projects in the NJIB loan program, it is seeking to have several projects added to the qualified list in order to borrow under the NJIB loan program.

In April 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to borrow up to $300.0 million from the New Jersey SRF Program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, private placement and other financial institutions as needed through December 31, 2025. The Company expects to issue debt securities in a series of one or more transaction offerings over a multi-year period to help fund Middlesex’s multi-year capital construction program.

In March 2023, Middlesex closed on a $40.0 million, 5.24% private placement of First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs) with a 2043 maturity date designated as Series 2023A. Proceeds were used to reduce the Company’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit.

Under the Delaware SRF Program, borrowers submit reimbursement requisitions during the construction period. Once the proceeds are received, Tidewater will record the debt obligation.

In April 2023, Tidewater closed on three DEPSC-approved Delaware SRF loans totaling $10.2 million, all at interest rates of 2.0% with maturity dates in 2043 and 2044. Each of these loans are for the construction of transmission mains. Tidewater expects to begin receiving disbursements in May 2023 and that the requisitions will continue through mid-2024.

In March 2023, the DEPSC approved Tidewater’s application to borrow up to $20.0 million from CoBank, ACB (CoBank) Tidewater expects to close on this loan in May 2023 with an interest rate of 5.71% and a 2033 maturity date and fully draw all funds by June 30, 2023. Proceeds from the loan will be used to pay off Tidewater’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit.

In November 2021, Tidewater received approval from the DEPSC to borrow up to $5.0 million under the Delaware SRF Program for construction of a one million gallon elevated storage tank. Tidewater closed on the $5.0 million loan at an interest rate of 2.0% in December 2021 and began receiving disbursements in January 2022. Through March 31, 2023, Tidewater has drawn a total of $3.6 million and expects that the requisitions will continue through the third quarter of 2023. The final maturity date on the loan is 2044.

In April 2023, the NJBPU approved Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater’s petitions for each company to borrow up to $4.9 million from CoBank through December 31, 2026. As allowed under the terms of the NJBPU approval, the Companies have opted to allocate the borrowing to a portion in 2023 and a portion prior to the expiration of the approval. For 2023, the companies will each borrow up to $3.0 million in one or more draws. The interest rate will be set on a fixed basis upon each draw. The term of each loan will be 20 years with monthly principal and interest payments. Proceeds will be used by the companies to pay off outstanding intercompany loans with Middlesex and to fund their future capital expenditures.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosure for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying amounts reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of FMBs and SRF Bonds (collectively, the Bonds) issued by Middlesex is based on quoted market prices for similar publicly traded issues. Under the fair value hierarchy, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents is classified as a Level 1 measurement and the fair value of notes payable and the Bonds in the table below are classified as Level 2 measurements. The carrying amount and fair value of the Bonds were as follows:

It was not practicable to estimate their fair value on our outstanding long-term debt for which there is no quoted market price and there is not an active trading market. For details, including carrying value, interest rates and due dates on these series of long-term debt, please refer to those series noted as “Amortizing Secured Notes” and “State Revolving Trust Notes” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $199.3 million and $159.1 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Customer advances for construction have carrying amounts of $22.3 million and $21.4 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Their relative fair values cannot be accurately estimated since future refund payments depend on several variables, including new customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate increases.

Substantially all of the utility plant of the Company is subject to the lien of its mortgage, which includes debt service and capital ratio covenants. The Company is in compliance with all of its mortgage covenants and restrictions.

Note 4 – Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period presented. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series.

Note 5 – Business Segment Data

The Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware. This segment also includes regulated wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company is subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by New Jersey and Delaware with respect to utility services within these states. The other segment is primarily comprised of non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs are treated as pass-through expenses. Finance charges on inter-segment loan activities are based on interest rates that are below what would normally be charged by a third party lender.

Note 6 – Short-term Borrowings

The Company maintains lines of credit aggregating $140.0 million.

The interest rates are set for borrowings under the Bank of America and PNC Bank lines of credit using the Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), respectively, and then adding a specific financial institution credit spread. The interest rate for borrowings under the CoBank line of credit are set weekly using CoBank’s internal cost of funds index that is similar to the SOFR and adding a credit spread. There is no requirement for a compensating balance under any of the established lines of credit.

The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings at March 31, 2023 under these credit lines is 5.65%.

The weighted average daily amounts of borrowings outstanding under these credit lines and the weighted average interest rates on those amounts were as follows:

The maturity dates for the $28.5 million outstanding as of March 31, 2023 are in April 2023 through June 2023 and were or are expected to be extended at the discretion of the Company.

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Water Supply – Middlesex has an agreement with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) for the purchase of untreated water through November 30, 2023, which provides for an average purchase of 27 million gallons a day (mgd). Pricing is set annually by the NJWSA through a public rate making process. The agreement has provisions for additional pricing in the event Middlesex overdrafts or exceeds certain monthly and annual thresholds.

Middlesex has an agreement with a non-affiliated regulated water utility for the purchase of treated water. This agreement, which expires February 27, 2026, provides for the minimum purchase of 3 mgd of treated water with provisions for additional purchases.

Tidewater contracts with the City of Dover, Delaware to purchase 15 million gallons of treated water annually.

Purchased water costs are shown below:

Leases – The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Generally, a lease agreement exists if the Company determines that the arrangement gives the Company control over the use of an identified asset and obtains substantially all of the benefits from the identified asset.

The Company has entered into an operating lease of office space for administrative purposes, expiring in 2030. The Company has not entered into any finance leases. The exercise of a lease renewal option for the Company’s administrative offices is solely at the discretion of the Company.

The right-of-use (ROU) asset recorded represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s operating lease does not provide an implicit discount rate and as such the Company used an estimated incremental borrowing rate (4.03%) based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

Given the impacts of accounting for regulated operations, and the resulting recognition of expense at the amounts recovered in customer rates, expenditures for operating leases are consistent with lease expense and were $0.2 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

Information related to operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities is as follows:

The Company’s future minimum operating lease commitments as of March 31, 2023 are as follows:

Construction – The Company has forecasted to spend approximately $111 million for its construction program in 2023. The Company has entered into several construction contracts that, in the aggregate, obligate expenditure of an estimated $20.5 million in the future. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on the need for replacement of existing infrastructure, customer growth, residential new home construction and sales, project scheduling, supply chain issues and continued refinement of project scope and costs. With continued upward pressure on mortgage interest rates, as well as other financial market uncertainties, there is no assurance that projected customer growth and residential new home construction and sales will occur.

PFOA Matter – In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other related costs and economic damages. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability resulting from these lawsuits (for further discussion of this matter, see Note 1 - Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance).

Contingencies – Based on our operations in the heavily-regulated water and wastewater industries, the Company is routinely involved in disputes, claims, lawsuits and other regulatory and legal matters, including responsibility for fines and penalties relative to regulatory compliance. At this time, Management does not believe the final resolution of any such matters, whether asserted or unasserted, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the Company maintains business insurance coverage that may mitigate the effect of any current or future loss contingencies.

Change in Control Agreements – The Company has Change in Control Agreements with its executive officers that provide compensation and benefits in the event of termination of employment in connection with a change in control of the Company.

Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans

Pension Benefits – The Company’s defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan) covers all active employees hired prior to April 1, 2007. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan, but do participate in a defined contribution plan that provides for a potential annual contribution in an amount at the discretion of the Company, based upon a percentage of the participants’ annual paid compensation. For each of the three -month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not make cash contributions to the Pension Plan. The Company expects to make cash contributions of approximately $1.9 million over the remainder of the current year. The Company also maintains an unfunded supplemental retirement benefit plan for certain active and retired Company officers and currently pays $0.5 million in annual benefits to the retired participants.

Other Postretirement Benefits – The Company’s retirement plan other than pensions (Other Benefits Plan) covers substantially all currently eligible retired employees. Employees hired after March 31, 2007 are not eligible to participate in this plan. Coverage includes healthcare and life insurance. For each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not make cash contributions to its Other Benefits Plan. The Company expects to make additional Other Benefits Plan cash contributions of $0.9 million over the remainder of the current year.

The following tables set forth information relating to the Company’s periodic costs (benefit) for its employee retirement benefit plans:

Note 9 – Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers

The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from regulated tariff-based sales of water and wastewater services and non-regulated operation and maintenance contracts for services on water and wastewater systems owned by others. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of a promised good or service is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.

The Company’s regulated revenue from contracts with customers results from tariff-based sales from the provision of water and wastewater services to residential, industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers. Residential customers are billed quarterly while most industrial, commercial, fire-protection and wholesale customers are billed monthly. Payments by customers are due between 15 and 30 days after the invoice date. Revenue is recognized as the water and wastewater services are delivered to customers as well as from accrual of unbilled revenues estimated from the last meter reading date to the end of the accounting period utilizing factors such as historical customer data, regional weather indicators and general economic conditions in the relevant service territories. Unearned Revenues and Advance Service Fees include fixed service charge billings in advance to Tidewater customers recognized as service is provided to the customer.

Non-regulated service contract revenues consist of base service fees, as well as fees for additional billable services provided to customers. Fees are billed monthly and are due within 30 days after the invoice date. The Company considers the amounts billed to represent the value of these services provided to customers. These contracts expire at various times through June 2032 and contain remaining performance obligations for which the Company expects to recognize revenue in the future. These contracts also contain termination provisions.

Substantially all of the amounts included in operating revenues and accounts receivable are from contracts with customers. The Company records its allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-offs combined with an evaluation of current economic conditions within its service territories.

The Company’s contracts do not contain any significant financing components.

The Company’s operating revenues are comprised of the following:

Item 2.       Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) included elsewhere herein and with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this periodic report and in the documents incorporated by reference constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The Company intends that these statements be covered by the safe harbors created under those laws.  They include, but are not limited to statements as to:

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results and outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which only speak to the Company’s understanding as of the date of this report. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

For an additional discussion of factors that may affect the Company’s business and results of operations, see Item 1A. - Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Overview

Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex or the Company) has operated as a water utility in New Jersey since 1897 and in Delaware through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), since 1992. We are in the business of collecting, treating and distributing water for domestic, commercial, municipal, industrial and fire protection purposes. We operate water and wastewater systems under contract for governmental entities and private entities primarily in New Jersey and Delaware and provide regulated wastewater services in New Jersey. We are regulated by state public utility commissions as to rates charged to customers for water and wastewater services, as to the quality of water and wastewater service we provide and as to certain other matters in the states in which our regulated subsidiaries operate. Only our Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy), Inc. (USA-PA) and White Marsh Environmental Services, Inc. (White Marsh) subsidiaries are not regulated public utilities as related to rates and services quality. All municipal or commercial entities whose utility operations are managed by these entities however, are subject to environmental regulation at the federal and state levels.

Our principal New Jersey water utility system (the Middlesex System) provides water services to approximately 61,000 retail customers, primarily in central New Jersey. The Middlesex System also provides water sales under contract to municipalities in central New Jersey with a total population of over 0.2 million. Our Bayview subsidiary provides water services in Downe Township, New Jersey. Our other New Jersey subsidiaries, Pinelands Water Company (Pinelands Water) and Pinelands Wastewater Company (Pinelands Wastewater) (collectively, Pinelands) provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2,500 customers in Southampton Township, New Jersey.

Our Delaware subsidiaries, Tidewater and Southern Shores Water Company, LLC, provide water services to approximately 56,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 4,500 customers in Kent and Sussex Counties through various operations and maintenance contracts.

USA-PA operates the water and wastewater systems for the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey (Perth Amboy) under a 10-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in 2028. In addition to performing day-to day operations, USA-PA is also responsible for emergency response and management of capital projects funded by Perth Amboy.

USA operates the Borough of Avalon, New Jersey’s (Avalon) water utility, sewer utility and storm water system under a ten-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in 2032. USA also operates the Borough of Highland Park, New Jersey’s (Highland Park) water and wastewater systems under a 10-year operations and maintenance contract expiring in June 2030. In addition to performing day-to-day service operations, USA is responsible for emergency response and management of capital projects funded by Avalon and Highland Park. Under a marketing agreement with HomeServe USA Corp. (HomeServe) expiring in 2031, USA offers residential customers in New Jersey and Delaware water and wastewater related services and home maintenance programs. HomeServe is a leading national provider of such home maintenance service programs. USA receives a service fee for the billing, cash collection and other administrative matters associated with HomeServe’s service contracts. USA also provides unregulated water and wastewater services under contract with several New Jersey municipalities.

Recent Developments

Pinelands’ Base Rate Increases Approved - On April 12, 2023, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater concluded their base rate case matters when the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved a combined $1.0 million increase in base rates, effective April 15, 2023. The requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments the companies have made as well as increased operations and maintenance costs.

Financings

Middlesex - In April 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to issue and sell up to 1.0 million shares of its common stock, without par value, through December 31, 2025. Additionally, in April 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to borrow up to $300.0 million from the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, private placement and other financial institutions as needed through December 31, 2025. The Company expects to issue equity and debt securities in a series of transaction offerings over a multi-year period to help fund Middlesex’s multi-year capital construction program.

In March 2023, Middlesex closed on a $40.0 million, 5.24% private placement of First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs) with a 2043 maturity date designated as Series 2023A. Proceeds were used to reduce the Company’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit.

Tidewater - In April 2023, Tidewater closed on three Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC)-approved SRF loans totaling $10.2 million, all at interest rates of 2.0% with maturity dates in 2043 and 2044. Each of these SRF loans are for the construction of transmission mains. Tidewater expects to begin receiving disbursements in May 2023 and that the requisitions will continue through mid-2024.

In March 2023, the DEPSC approved Tidewater’s application to borrow up to $20.0 million from CoBank, ACB (CoBank). Tidewater expects to close on this loan in May 2023 with an expected interest rate of 5.71% and a 2033 maturity date and fully draw all funds by June 30, 2023. Proceeds from the loan will be used to pay off Tidewater’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit.

Pinelands - In April 2023, the NJBPU approved Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater’s petitions for each company to borrow up to $4.9 million from CoBank through December 31, 2026. As allowed under the terms of the NJBPU approval, the companies have opted to allocate the borrowing to a portion in 2023 and a portion prior to the expiration of the approval. For 2023, the Companies will each borrow up to $3.0 million in one or more draws. The interest rate will be set on a fixed basis upon each draw. The term of each loan will be 20 years with monthly principal and interest payments. Proceeds will be used by the companies to pay off outstanding intercompany loans with Middlesex and to fund their future capital expenditures.

Capital Construction Program - The Company’s multi-year capital construction program encompasses numerous projects designed to upgrade and replace utility infrastructure as well as enhance the integrity and reliability of assets to maintain and improve service for the current and future generations of water and wastewater customers. The Company plans to invest approximately $111.0 million in 2023 in connection with projects that include, but are not limited to:

The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on project scheduling and refinement of engineering estimates for certain capital projects.

Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance – In September 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Notice of Non-Compliance (Notice) to Middlesex based on self-reporting by Middlesex that the level of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in water treated at its Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant in South Plainfield, New Jersey exceeded a standard promulgated in a NJDEP regulation that became effective in 2021.

Prior to 2021, the Company began design for construction of an enhanced treatment process at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant to comply with the new standard prior to the regulation being enacted. At that time, the completion of enhanced treatment process was not expected until mid-2023. Consequently, in November 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements.

Subsequently, in June 2022, the Company accelerated the in-service date for a portion of the enhanced treatment project that allowed a restart of the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant and it is effectively treating the ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.

In September 2022, the Company entered into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) with the NJDEP with respect to the Notice, which voided any further notice regarding the fact that the permanent treatment solution was not in service by September 7, 2022 as required by the Notice. The Company must comply with several other requirements of the ACO or face penalties.

In November 2021, the Company was served with two PFOA-related class action lawsuits seeking restitution for medical, water replacement and other claimed related costs. These lawsuits are in the early stages of the legal process and their ultimate resolution cannot be predicted at this time. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged coverage of potential liability which may result from these lawsuits. In May 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in one of these class action lawsuits. The Company has also initiated a separate lawsuit against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of PFAS, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility.

Outlook

Our ability to increase operating income and net income is based significantly on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate relief, effective cost management and customer growth. These factors are discussed in the Results of Operations section below. Unfavorable weather patterns may occur at any time, which can result in lower customer demand for water.

Our investments in system infrastructure continue to grow significantly and our operating costs are anticipated to increase in 2023 in a variety of categories. Additionally, the DEPSC issued an Order requiring Tidewater to reduce its base rates charged to general metered and private fire customers by 6%, effective for service rendered on and after September 1, 2022. These factors, among others, will likely require Middlesex and Tidewater to file for base rate increases in May 2023 and the second half of 2023, respectively.

Overall, organic residential customer growth continues in our Tidewater system but is impacted by the current and evolving macroeconomic market conditions relative to residential housing. Builders and developers in our Delaware service territory are experiencing longer home sales closing cycles due to supply chain constraints, which may be further affected by inflationary trends and the federal government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate inflation through increases in interest rates.

The Company has projected to spend approximately $274 million for the 2023-2025 capital investment program, including approximately $22 million for PFAS-related treatment upgrades, $18 million for Lead and Copper Rule compliance in the Middlesex System, $34 million on the RENEW Program, which is our ongoing initiative to replace water mains in the Middlesex System and $8 million for construction of elevated storage tanks in our Tidewater and Middlesex Systems.

Our strategy for profitable growth is focused on the following key areas:

Operating Results by Segment

The discussion of the Company’s operating results is on a consolidated basis and includes significant factors by subsidiary. The Company has two operating segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. The operations of the Regulated segment are subject to regulations promulgated by state public utility commissions as to rates and level of service. Rates and level of service in the Non-Regulated segment are subject to the terms of individually-negotiated and executed contracts with municipal, industrial and other clients. Both segments are subject to federal and state environmental, water and wastewater quality and other associated legal and regulatory requirements.

The segments in the tables included below consist of the following companies: Regulated-Middlesex, Tidewater, Pinelands and Southern Shores; Non-Regulated-USA, USA-PA, and White Marsh.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $2.0 million from the same period in 2022 due to the following factors:

Operation and Maintenance Expense

Operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $1.1 million from the same period in 2022 due to the following factors:

Depreciation

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $0.4 million from the same period in 2022 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.

Other Taxes

Other taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $0.3 million from the same period in 2022 primarily due to higher revenue related taxes on increased revenues in our Middlesex system.

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary

In January 2022, Middlesex closed on the sale of its regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary and recognized the resulting gain of $5.2 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2022.

Other Income, net

Other Income, net for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased $0.1 million from the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit offset by higher Allowance for Funds Used During Construction resulting from a higher level of capital projects in progress.

Interest Charges

Interest charges for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $0.7 million from the same period in 2022 due to higher average debt outstanding and an increase in average short-term borrowing rates from 1.12% in the first quarter of 2022 to 5.52% in the first quarter of 2023.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased by $0.4 million from the same period in 2022, primarily due to the expiration in 2022 of income tax benefits associated with the adoption of Internal Revenue Service tangible property regulations as Middlesex was required by the NJBPU to account for the benefit of adopting these regulations over 48 months beginning in 2018. Partially offsetting this increase was lower pre-tax income due to the gain on a the sale of a subsidiary in the three months ended March 31, 2022 and greater income tax benefits associated with increased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex system.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased $6.2 million as compared with the same period in 2022. Basic earnings per share were $0.33 and $0.69 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $0.33 and $0.68 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Cash Flows

Cash flows from operations are largely based on four factors: weather, adequate and timely rate increases, effective cost management and customer growth. The effect of those factors on net income is discussed in “Results of Operations.”

Operating Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash flows from operating activities increased $2.0 million to $16.0 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from the timing of payments to vendors.

Investing Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash flows used in investing activities increased $11.0 million to $24.5 million due to increased utility plant expenditures in 2023 and cash received in January 2022 from the sale of Middlesex’s regulated wastewater subsidiary.

For further discussion on the Company’s future capital expenditures and expected funding sources, see “Capital Expenditures and Commitments” below.

Financing Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash flows from financing activities increased $10.3 million to $9.6 million. The increase in cash flows provided by financing activities is due to an increase in net borrowings.

Capital Expenditures and Commitments

To fund our capital program, we use internally generated funds, short-term and long-term debt borrowings, proceeds from sales of common stock under the Investment Plan and proceeds from sales offerings to the public of our common stock. See below for a more detailed discussion regarding the funding of our capital program.

The capital investment program for 2023 is currently estimated to be approximately $111 million. Through March 31, 2023 we have expended $25 million and expect to incur approximately $86 million for capital projects for the remainder of 2023.

We currently project that we may expend approximately $163 million for capital projects in 2024 and 2025. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on the need for replacement of existing infrastructure, customer growth, residential new home construction and sales, project scheduling and continued refinement of project scope and costs.

To pay for our capital program for the remainder of 2023, we plan on utilizing some or all of the following:

In March 2023, the Company began offering shares of its common stock for purchase at a 3% discount to participants in the Investment Plan. The discount offering will continue until 200,000 shares are purchased at the discounted price or December 1, 2023, whichever event occurs first.

In order to fully fund the ongoing investment program in our utility plant infrastructure and maintain a balanced capital structure consistent with regulators’ expectations for a regulated water utility, Middlesex may offer for sale additional shares of its common stock. The amount, the timing and the sales method of the common stock is dependent on the timing of the construction expenditures, the level of additional debt financing and financial market conditions. As approved by the NJBPU, the Company is authorized to issue and sell up to 1.0 million shares of its common stock in one or more transactions through December 31, 2025.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 1 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and guidance.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk associated with changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Our policy is to manage interest rates through the use of fixed rate long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term debt. The Company’s interest rate risk related to existing fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of the majority of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have final maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2059. Over the next twelve months, approximately $17.4 million of the current portion of existing long-term debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of interest charged by 10% on those borrowings, would not have a material effect on our earnings.

Our risks associated with price increases for chemicals, electricity and other commodities are reduced through contractual arrangements and the ability to recover price increases through rates charged to the Company’s regulated utility customers. Non-performance by these commodity suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

We are exposed to credit risk for both our Regulated and Non-Regulated business segments. Our Regulated operations serve residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers while our Non-Regulated operations engage in business activities with developers, government entities and other customers. Our primary credit risk is exposure to customer default on contractual obligations and the associated loss that may be incurred due to the non-payment of customer accounts receivable balances. Our credit risk is managed through established credit and collection policies which are in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and involve monitoring of customer exposure and the use of credit risk mitigation measures such as letters of credit or prepayment arrangements. Our credit portfolio is diversified with no significant customer or industry concentrations. In addition, our Regulated businesses are generally able to recover all prudently incurred costs including uncollectible customer accounts receivable expenses and collection costs through customers’ rates.

The Company's retirement benefit plan assets are subject to fluctuating market prices of debt and equity securities. Changes to the Company's retirement benefit plan asset values can impact the Company's retirement benefit plan expense, funded status and future minimum funding requirements. Risk is mitigated by our ability to recover retirement benefit plan costs through rates for regulated utility services charged to our customers.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures was conducted by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

The following information updates and amends the information provided in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (the Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022 in Part I, Item 3—Legal Proceedings. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Company’s Form 10-K.

PFOA Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance

Vera et al. v. Middlesex Water Company – On March 21, 2023, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey issued an order remanding the case back to the Superior Court of New Jersey. Discovery is not yet underway in this matter.

The information about risk factors does not differ materially from those set forth in Part I, Item 1A. of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

None.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 1, 2023