UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

(Mark One)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023

OR

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________to ___________

For the transition period from _________________ to______________________

Commission File Number     0-422

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey

22-1114430

(State of incorporation)

(IRS employer identification no.)

 

485C Route One South,, Iselin,, New Jersey08830

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(732)

(732) 634-1500

(Registrant’sRegistrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

MSEX

MSEXNASDAQ

NASDAQ

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.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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,common stock, as of OctoberJuly 28, 2022:2023: Common Stock, No Par Value: 17,638,59517,747,758 shares outstanding.


INDEX

PAGE

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PAGE

Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited):

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders’ Equity

5

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1618
  
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk26
Item 4.Controls and Procedures27
  
Item 4.Controls and Procedures28
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
  
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2829
  
Item 1A.Risk Factors2829
  
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds28
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities28
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures28
Item 5.Other Information28
Item 6.Exhibits29
  
SIGNATURESItem 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities29
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures29
Item 5.Other Information29
Item 6.Exhibits30
SIGNATURES31

 


 

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

2022

2021

 

Operating Revenues

$

47,732

$

39,874

$

123,611

$

109,117

 

Operating Expenses:

Operations and Maintenance

20,312

18,950

59,007

55,265

Depreciation

5,814

5,504

17,107

15,523

Other Taxes

5,031

3,996

13,543

11,456

Total Operating Expenses

31,157

28,450

89,657

82,244

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary

-

-

5232

-

Operating Income

16,575

11,424

39,186

26,873

 

Other Income (Expense):

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

627

344

1,553

2,376

Other Income (Expense), net

1,412

744

4,185

2,308

 

Total Other Income, net

2,039

1,088

5,738

4,684

 

Interest Charges

2,355

2,101

6,574

5,910

 

Income before Income Taxes

16,259

10,411

38,350

25,647

 

Income Taxes

1,968

 

(1,065

)

3,092

 

(3,658

)

 

Net Income

14,291

11,476

35,258

29,305

 

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements

30

30

90

90

 

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

14,261

$

11,446

$

35,168

$

29,215

 

Earnings per share of Common Stock:

Basic

$

0.81

$

0.65

$

2

$

1.67

Diluted

$

0.8

$

0.65

$

1.99

$

1.66

 

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

Basic

17,628

17,491

17,583

17,485

Diluted

17,743

17,606

17,698

17,600

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022 2023 2022
         
Operating Revenues $42,801  $39,683  $80,957  $75,879 
                 
Operating Expenses:                
Operations and Maintenance  21,204   19,557   41,462   38,695 
Depreciation  6,184   5,670   12,170   11,292 
Other Taxes  4,744   4,368   9,168   8,512 
                 
Total Operating Expenses  32,132   29,595   62,800   58,499 
                 
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary           5,232 
                 
Operating Income  10,669   10,088   18,157   22,612 
                 
Other Income:                
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction  852   548   1,665   926 
Other Income  1,290   1,396   2,188   2,773 
                 
Total Other Income  2,142   1,944   3,853   3,699 
                 
Interest Charges  3,251   2,369   5,846   4,219 
                 
Income before Income Taxes  9,560   9,663   16,164   22,092 
                 
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit)  (341)  795   397   1,124 
                 
Net Income  9,901   8,868   15,767   20,968 
                 
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements  30   30   60   60 
                 
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $9,871  $8,838  $15,707  $20,908 
                 
Earnings per share of Common Stock:                
Basic $0.56  $0.50  $0.89  $1.19 
Diluted $0.55  $0.50  $0.88  $1.18 
                 
Average Number of                
Common Shares Outstanding :                
Basic  17,713   17,583   17,683   17,560 
Diluted  17,828   17,698   17,798   17,675 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1



MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

September 30,

December 31,

ASSETS

2022

2021

UTILITY PLANT:

Water Production

$

246,426

 

$

247,286

Transmission and Distribution

 

709,748

 

697,200

General

 

96,433

 

95,658

Construction Work in Progress

 

59,152

 

24,947

TOTAL

 

1,111,759

 

1,065,091

Less Accumulated Depreciation

 

211,902

 

199,723

UTILITY PLANT - NET

 

899,857

 

865,368

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

2,908

 

3,533

Accounts Receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2,593 and $2,574, respectively

 

18,081

 

15,311

Unbilled Revenues

 

11,022

 

7,273

Materials and Supplies (at average cost)

 

5,792

 

5,358

Prepayments

 

3,669

 

2,880

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

41,472

 

34,355

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

Operating Lease Right of Use Asset

 

3,992

 

4,503

Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges

 

3,244

 

3,540

Regulatory Assets

 

104,903

 

100,738

Non-utility Assets - Net

 

11,096

 

11,428

Other

 

105

 

83

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

 

123,340

 

120,292

TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,064,669

 

$

1,020,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

CAPITALIZATION:

Common Stock, No Par Value

$

232,423

 

$

221,919

Retained Earnings

 

165,652

 

145,807

TOTAL COMMON EQUITY

 

398,075

 

367,726

Preferred Stock

 

2,084

 

2,084

Long-term Debt

 

301,238

 

306,520

TOTAL CAPITALIZATION

 

701,397

 

676,330

 

 

 

 

CURRENT

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

7,567

 

6,731

LIABILITIES:

Notes Payable

 

40,500

 

13,000

Accounts Payable

 

25,873

 

21,125

Accrued Taxes

 

12,585

 

8,621

Accrued Interest

 

2,174

 

1,986

Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees

 

1,477

 

1,330

Other

 

2,791

 

3,826

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

92,967

 

56,619

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

OTHER LIABILITIES:

Customer Advances for Construction

 

22,425

 

23,529

Lease Obligations - Operating

 

3,871

 

4,367

Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes

 

76,979

 

69,500

Employee Benefit Plans

 

8,062

 

11,290

Regulatory Liabilities

 

46,693

 

49,431

Other

 

1,004

 

1,086

TOTAL OTHER LIABILITIES

 

159,034

 

159,203

 

 

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION

 

111,271

127,863

TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

$

1,064,669

 

$

1,020,015

    June 30, December 31,
ASSETS   2023 2022
UTILITY PLANT: Water Production $287,871  $249,153 
  Transmission and Distribution  768,138   735,138 
  General  99,587   97,581 
  Construction Work in Progress  36,792   53,570 
  TOTAL  1,192,388   1,135,442 
  Less Accumulated Depreciation  225,281   214,891 
  UTILITY PLANT - NET  967,107   920,551 
           
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents  4,377   3,828 
  Accounts Receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,889 and $2,326, respectively  15,230   16,018 
  Unbilled Revenues  11,067   8,659 
  Materials and Supplies (at average cost)  6,426   6,177 
  Prepayments  3,470   2,624 
  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  40,570   37,306 
           
OTHER ASSETS: Operating Lease Right of Use Asset  3,499   3,826 
  Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges  2,270   2,806 
  Regulatory Assets  92,772   90,046 
  Non-utility Assets - Net  11,449   11,207 
  Employee Benefit Plans  9,898   8,689 
  Other  21   19 
  TOTAL OTHER ASSETS  119,909   116,593 
  TOTAL ASSETS $1,127,586  $1,074,450 
           
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES        
CAPITALIZATION: Common Stock, No Par Value $239,545   233,054 
  Retained Earnings  171,932   167,274 
  TOTAL COMMON EQUITY  411,477   400,328 
  Preferred Stock  2,084   2,084 
  Long-term Debt  350,446   290,280 
  TOTAL CAPITALIZATION  764,007   692,692 
           
CURRENT Current Portion of Long-term Debt  17,460   17,462 
LIABILITIES: Notes Payable  23,500   55,500 
  Accounts Payable  28,265   24,847 
  Accrued Taxes  10,339   12,162 
  Accrued Interest  3,098   2,535 
  Unearned Revenues and Advanced Service Fees  1,476   1,365 
  Other  3,425   3,988 
  TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  87,563   117,859 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Note 7)  
 
   
 
 
           
OTHER LIABILITIES: Customer Advances for Construction  21,032   21,382 
  Lease Obligations  3,382   3,706 
  Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes  85,196   77,783 
  Regulatory Liabilities  47,400   46,734 
  Other  758   919 
  TOTAL OTHER LIABILITIES  157,768   150,524 
           
CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION  118,248   113,375 
  TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $1,127,586  $1,074,450 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2



Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Income

$

35,258

$

29,305

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

Depreciation and Amortization

20,135

17,253

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

(4,312

)

(11,801

)

Equity Portion of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

(914

)

(1,356

)

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

474

(97

)

Stock Compensation Expense

1,270

1,033

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary

(5,232

)

-

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

Accounts Receivable

(2,770

)

(2,459

)

Unbilled Revenues

(3,749

)

(2,009

)

Materials and Supplies

(434

)

(44

)

Prepayments

(789

)

(1,141

)

Accounts Payable

4,748

(13,103

)

Accrued Taxes

3,964

2,550

Accrued Interest

188

(943

)

Employee Benefit Plans

(1,973

)

1,187

Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees

146

139

Other Assets and Liabilities

(1,769

)

124

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

44,241

18,638

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $639 in 2022 and $1,020 in 2021

(65,939

)

(61,245

)

Proceeds from Sale of Subsidiary

3,122

-

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(62,817

)

(61,245

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Redemption of Long-term Debt

(6,397

)

(28,655

)

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt

2,663

21,595

Net Short-term Bank Borrowings

27,500

48,000

Deferred Debt Issuance Expense

(612

)

(35

)

Common Stock Issuance Expense

(25

)

-

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

10,064

 

885

Payment of Common Dividends

(15,298

)

(14,294

)

Payment of Preferred Dividends

(90

)

(90

)

Construction Advances and Contributions-Net

146

 

10,079

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

17,951

37,485

NET CHANGES IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH

(625

)

(5,122

)

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

3,533

 

10,404

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD

$

2,908

$

5,282

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:

Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions

$

5,705

$

4,279

Non-Cash Consideration for Sale of Subsidiary

2,100

-

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:

Cash Paid During the Year for:

Interest

$

6,793

$

7,091

Interest Capitalized

$

639

$

1,020

Income Taxes

$

2,125

$

3,235

  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net Income $15,767  $20,968 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to        
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:        
Depreciation and Amortization  14,543   13,401 
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits  (2,993)  (3,256)
Equity Portion of Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)  (1,014)  (532)
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance  (207)  445 
Stock Compensation Expense  1,366   909 
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary     (5,232)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:        
Accounts Receivable  788   682 
Unbilled Revenues  (2,408)  (3,016)
Materials & Supplies  (249)  (349)
Prepayments  (846)  (1,195)
Accounts Payable  3,418   3,124 
Accrued Taxes  843   3,893 
Accrued Interest  563   170 
Employee Benefit Plans  (975)  (1,310)
Unearned Revenue & Advanced Service Fees  111   165 
Other Assets and Liabilities  580   (2,006)
         
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES  29,287   26,861 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Utility Plant Expenditures, Including AFUDC of $651 in 2023 and $394 in 2022  (50,635)  (39,343)
Proceeds from Sale of Subsidiary     3,122 
         
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES  (50,635)  (36,221)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Redemption of Long-term Debt  (2,553)  (2,162)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt  62,880   2,287 
Net Short-term Bank Borrowings  (32,000)  14,500 
Deferred Debt Issuance Expense  (107)  (82)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock  5,745   7,039 
Payment of Common Dividends  (11,049)  (10,184)
Payment of Preferred Dividends  (60)  (60)
Construction Advances and Contributions-Net  (959)  (1,191)
         
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES  21,897   10,147 
NET CHANGES IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH  549   787 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD  3,828   3,533 
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD $4,377  $4,320 
         
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:        
Utility Plant received as Construction Advances and Contributions $4,219  $4,321 
Non-Cash Consideration for Sale of Subsidiary $  $2,100 
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:        
Cash Paid During the Year for:        
Interest $5,491  $4,245 
Interest Capitalized $651  $394 
Income Taxes $260  $575 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3



Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL STOCK AND LONG-TERM DEBT

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

2021

 

Common Stock, No Par Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Authorized - 40,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding - 2022 - 17,638; 2021 - 17,522

 

$

232,423

 

 

$

221,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

 

165,652

 

 

 

145,807

 

 

TOTAL COMMON EQUITY

 

$

398,075

 

 

$

367,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Authorized - 120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding - 20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 10

 

$

1,005

 

 

$

1,005

 

 

Nonredeemable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1

 

 

79

 

 

 

79

 

 

Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK

 

$

2,084

 

 

$

2,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage Bonds, 0.00%-5.50%, due 2023-2059

 

$

252,269

 

 

$

203,892

 

 

Amortizing Secured Notes, 3.94%-7.05%, due 2028-2046

 

 

45,592

 

 

 

47,613

 

 

State Revolving Trust Notes, 2.00%-4.22%, due 2022-2041

 

 

9,551

 

 

 

7,510

 

 

Construction Loans, 0.00%

 

 

-

 

 

 

52,131

 

 

SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

307,412

 

 

 

311,146

 

 

Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt

 

 

6,973

 

 

 

7,271

 

 

Less: Unamortized Debt Expense

 

 

(5,580

)

 

 

(5,166

)

 

Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 

(7,567

)

 

 

(6,731

)

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT

 

$

301,238

 

 

$

306,520

 

 

  June 30, December 31,
  2023 2022
Common Stock, No Par Value        
Shares Authorized - 40,000  
 
   
 
 
Shares Outstanding - 2023 - 17,729; 2022 - 17,642 $239,545  $233,054 
Retained Earnings  171,932   167,274 
TOTAL COMMON EQUITY $411,477  $400,328 
         
Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value:        
Shares Authorized - 120  
 
   
 
 
Shares Outstanding - 20  
 
   
 
 
Convertible:        
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 10 $1,005  $1,005 
Nonredeemable:        
Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series -   1  79   79 
Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10  1,000   1,000 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK $2,084  $2,084 
         
Long-term Debt:        
First Mortgage Bonds, 0.00%-5.50%, due 2023-2059 $291,496  $252,269 
Amortizing Secured Notes, 3.94%-7.05%, due 2028-2046  63,571   44,918 
State Revolving Trust Notes, 2.00%-4.03%, due 2025-2044  11,645   9,200 
SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT  366,712   306,387 
Add: Premium on Issuance of Long-term Debt  6,675   6,873 
Less: Unamortized Debt Expense  (5,481)  (5,518)
Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt  (17,460)  (17,462)
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT $350,446  $290,280 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



Index

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Common

Common

Stock

Stock

Retained

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Total

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

Balance at July 1, 2021

17,490

$

218,100

$

136,998

$

355,098

Net Income

-

-

11,476

11,476

Middlesex Water Company Invesment Plan

3

289

-

289

Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees

-

273

-

273

Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2725 per share)

-

-

(4,766

)

(4,766

)

Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock

-

-

(30

)

(30

)

Balance at September 30, 2021

17,493

 

 

$

218,662

 

 

$

143,678

 

 

$

362,340

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

Balance at January 1, 2021

17,473

$

217,451

$

128,757

$

346,208

Net Income

-

-

29,305

29,305

Middlesex Water Company Invesment Plan

11

885

-

885

Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees

6

81

 

-

81

Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors

3

245

-

245

Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.8175 per share)

-

-

(14,294

)

(14,294

)

Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock

-

-

(90

)

(90

)

Balance at September 30, 2021

17,493

$

218,662

$

143,678

$

362,340

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

Balance at July 1, 2022

17,604

$

229,037

$

156,530

$

385,567

Net Income

-

-

14,291

14,291

Middlesex Water Company Invesment Plan

34

3,025

-

3,025

Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees

-

361

-

361

Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2900 per share)

-

-

(5,114

)

(5,114

)

Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock

-

-

(30

)

(30

)

Common Stock Expenses

-

-

(25

)

(25

)

Balance at September 30, 2022

17,638

 

 

$

232,423

 

 

$

165,652

 

 

$

398,075

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Balance at January 1, 2022

17,522

$

221,919

$

145,807

$

367,726

Net Income

-

-

35,258

35,258

Middlesex Water Company Invesment Plan

110

10,064

-

10,064

Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees

3

160

 

-

160

Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors

3

280

-

280

Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.8700 per share)

-

-

(15,298

)

(15,298

)

Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock

-

-

(90

)

(90

)

Common Stock Expenses

-

-

(25

)

(25

)

Balance at September 30, 2022

17,638

$

232,423

$

165,652

$

398,075

  Common Common    
  Stock Stock Retained  
  Shares Amount Earnings Total
         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022                
Balance at April 1, 2022  17,551  $225,092  $152,790  $377,882 
Net Income        8,868   8,868 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  47   4,134      4,134 
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees  3   (469)     (469)
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors  3   280      280 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.2900 per share)        (5,097)  (5,097)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (30)  (30)
Balance at June 30, 2022  17,604  $229,037  $156,531  $385,568 
                 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022                
Balance at January 1, 2022  17,522  $221,919  $145,807  $367,726 
Net Income        20,968   20,968 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  76   7,039      7,039 
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees  3   (201)     (201)
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors  3   280      280 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.5800 per share)        (10,184)  (10,184)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (60)  (60)
Balance at June 30, 2022  17,604  $229,037  $156,531  $385,568 
                 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023                
Balance at April 1, 2023  17,671  $235,756  $167,599  $403,355 
Net Income        9,901   9,901 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  46   3,402      3,402 
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees  7   27      27 
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors  5   360      360 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.3125 per share)        (5,538)  (5,538)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (30)  (30)
Balance at June 30, 2023  17,729  $239,545  $171,932  $411,477 
                 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023                
Balance at January 1, 2023  17,642  $233,054  $167,274  $400,328 
Net Income        15,767   15,767 
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan  75   5,745      5,745 
Restricted Stock Award - Net - Employees  7   386      386 
Restricted Stock Award - Board of Directors  5   360      360 
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($0.6250 per share)        (11,049)  (11,049)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock        (60)  (60)
Balance at June 30, 2023  17,729  $239,545  $171,932  $411,477 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5



Index

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 20212022 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 20212022 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, the results of operations for the three month and ninesix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 and cash flows for the ninesix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021.2022. Information included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021,2022, has been derived from the Company’s December 31, 20212022 audited financial statements included in the 20212022 Form 10-K.

Recent Developments

Middlesex President and Chief Executive Officer Retirement Announcement - On May 16, 2023, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis W. Doll announced a plan to retire upon turning age 65. Mr. Doll’s retirement is planned for the later of December 31, 2023 or, the date when a successor is duly named and effectively transitioned into the position. Mr. Doll will remain a member of the Middlesex Board of Directors (Board) through the expiration of his current term in May 2024. A search for Mr. Doll’s successor is being led by the Compensation Committee of the Board in collaboration with  a nationally-recognized executive search firm.

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 recentlystandard promulgated in a NJDEP standardregulation 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 hashad 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 as required by the regulation.2021.

The Notice further required the Company to take any action necessary to comply with the new standard by September 7, 2022. ThePrior 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. SinceAt that time, the completion isof enhanced treatment process was not expected until mid-2023,mid-2023. Consequently, in DecemberNovember 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements. Therequirements, which included putting the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant was takenin off-line status and obtaining alternate sources of supply have been obtained. Simultaneously,supply. In June 2022, the Company accelerated the in-service date for a portion of the enhanced treatment project to allowthat allowed a restart of the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant ahead of historical higher water demand periods during the summer months.

In June 2022, construction of the accelerated portion was completed and the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant is effectively treating ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. Working in coordination with the NJDEP, the Company successfully restarted the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant and introduced wellfield water into the distribution system. Water being delivered to customers is in compliance with all United States Environmental Protection Agency and NJDEP drinking water standards, including the newly established water quality standard for PFOA.

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. The Company must issue the public notifications by February 22, 2023 and continue to complete and distribute public information asAs prescribed in the ACO.ACO, the Company will issue periodic public notifications until the ACO is closed. In addition, in accordance with the ACO:


Index

On or before June 30, 2023, the Company was required to complete the permanent construction of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades, place the treatment upgrades into operation, and treat all water at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant so as to comply with the PFOA NJDEP standards.

The Company must perform required sample testing and reporting for PFOA subsequent to completion of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades.

The Company shall submit to the NJDEP quarterly progress reports detailing the Company’s compliance with the ACO.

In June 2023, the Company shall completecompleted the permanent construction of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades, placeplaced the treatment upgrades into operation, and the Company believes all water at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant shall be treated to complycomplies with the NJDEP PFOA NJDEP standards.

The Company must perform required sample testing and reporting for PFOA subsequent to completion of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades.

The Company shall submit to the NJDEP quarterly progress reports detailing the Company’s compliancebelieves it has complied with the ACO.

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

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 taken this action in addition tohad previously initiated a separate lawsuit against the Company initiated againstclaimed polluter, 3M, seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction ofthe Company’s claim that 3M introduced perfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as “PFAS”), which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility. A trial date is set for October 2, 2023 in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey.

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.

Sale of Subsidiary – In January 2022, Middlesex closed on the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved sale of 100% of the common stock of its subsidiary Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. to Artesian Wastewater Management, Inc. for $6.4 million in cash and other consideration, resulting in a $5.2 million pre-tax gain. The Company will continue to own and operate its non-regulated water and wastewater contract operations business in Delaware.

Borough of Avalon, New JerseyContract Renewal – In August 2022, USA, Middlesex’s non-regulated subsidiary, was awarded a competitively-bid 10-year operations and maintenance contract with the Borough of Avalon, New Jersey (Avalon) under which USA will continue to operate Avalon’s water utility, sewer utility and storm water system. USA is also required to manage capital projects funded by Avalon. USA previously operated Avalon’s water utility, sewer utility and storm water system under a 10-year contract that expired in August 2022. The new contract commenced September 1, 2022.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic– On October 13, 2022,May 11, 2023, the United States SecretaryDepartment of Health and Human Services reneweddeclared the determination that a nationwide health emergency exists as a resultend of the COVID-19 Pandemic.Pandemic nationwide health emergency. 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.

6


Index

The NJBPU and the DEPSC havehas approved the tracking of COVID-19 related incremental costs for potential recovery in customer rates in future rate proceedings. Neither jurisdiction has establishedIn May 2023, Middlesex filed a timetable or definitive formal procedures for seeking cost recovery.petition to defer consideration of rate recovery of COVID-19 related incremental costs incurred until its next base rate case. The Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts for expected increases inhigher accounts receivable write-offs due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on customers. Since the ultimate rate treatment to be determined by the NJBPU and the DEPSC regarding incremental costs related to COVID-19 is not definitively known at this time, the Company has not deferred any such costs. 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.


Index

Note 2 Rate and Regulatory Matters

Middlesex - In December 2021, Middlesex’sMay 2023, Middlesex filed a petition towith the NJBPU seeking permission to increase itsannual base water rates was concluded, based on a negotiated settlement, resulting in an expected increase in annual operating revenues of $27.7by approximately $34 million. The approved tariff rates were designedrequest was necessitated predominantly by capital infrastructure investments Middlesex has made, or has committed to make, to ensure proper maintenance, development and improvement of its utility assets to support continued regulatory compliance and overall quality of service. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Under New Jersey statute, the NJPBU must render a decision within nine months of filing a base rate change petition.

Replacement of Middlesex and Middlesex customer-owned lead service lines is required by the New Jersey Lead Service Line Replacement Law. In May 2023, Middlesex filed a petition seeking NJBPU approval of Middlesex’s proposed cost recovery of its Lead Service Line Replacement Plan and cost recovery of project costs associated with replacing Middlesex customer-owned lead service lines. Under this legislation, these costs would be recovered through future customer surcharges. Middlesex currently estimates that replacement of Middlesex and Middlesex customer-owned lead service lines will be approximately $57 million to $95 million over a nine-year period. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or amend this petition.

In May 2023, Middlesex filed a petition with the NJBPU seeking approval of a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) Foundation Filing, which is a prerequisite to implementing a DSIC rate that allows water utilities to recover increased operating costs as well asinvestments in, and generate a return on, investedqualifying capital of $513.5 million, based on an authorized return on common equity of 9.6%. The increase is being 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 negotiated settlement, the Purchased Water Adjustment Clause (PWAC), which is a rate mechanism that allows for recovery of increased purchasedimprovements to their water costsdistribution system made between base rate case filings, was reset to zero.proceedings. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or amend this petition.

In September 2022, the NJBPU approved Middlesex's Emergency Relief Motion to reset its PWACPurchased Water Adjustment Clause tariff rate to recover additional costs of $2.7$2.7 million for the purchase of treated water from a non-affiliated regulated 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.

Tidewater - On August 31, 2022, 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. In June 2022, the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate filed a petition with the DEPSC requesting that Tidewater’s rates be reduced based on the claim that Tidewater had been earning above its authorized rate of return. The rate reductionmatter, which is expected to reduce annual revenues by approximately $2.2million.

In June 2022, Tidewater notified the DEPSC of its intention to likely file for a base water rate increase in the firstthird quarter of 2023 based on projected increases in operational expenses and capital construction expenditures.2023.

Pinelands - In September 2022,On April 12, 2023, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater filed separate petitions withconcluded their base rate case matters when the NJBPU seeking permission toapproved a combined $1.0 million increase in annual base rates, by approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million per year, respectively. Theseeffective April 15, 2023. The requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments boththe companies have made or have committed to make, andas well as increased operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the requests. A decision by the NJBPU in either matter is not expected before the first quarter of 2023.

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 claims. The timingrights, Middlesex’s refusal to submit this escrow payment would jeopardize the relief Twin Lakes was otherwise entitled to in the appointment of the final decision byReceiver Utility. In March 2023, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania andissued a decision denying Twin Lakes’ Appeal Petition without addressing this claim on the final adjudicationmerits. As a result of this matter cannot be predicted at this time.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. We are currently awaiting the Court’s decision.


Index

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

Note 3 – Capitalization

Common Stock - During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, there were 110,61475,764 common shares (approximately $10.1$5.7 million) and 10,64176,547 common shares (approximately $0.9$7.0 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 3% purchase discount offering period onwill continue until 200,000 shares are purchased at the Company’sdiscounted price or December 1, 2023, whichever event occurs first. The discount applies to all common stock throughpurchases made under the Investment Plan, expired on August 1, 2022.whether by optional cash payment or by dividend reinvestment.

In May 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to increase the number of authorized shares under the Investment Plan by 0.7 million shares.

Long-term Debt - In May 2022, Middlesex repaid Subject to regulatory approval, the Company periodically issues long-term debt to fund its two outstandinginvestments 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 loans by issuingon 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 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.


Index

In March 2023, Middlesex closed on a $40.0 million, 5.24% private placement of First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs) to the NJIB under two loan agreements. The total amount of FMBs issued is $52.2 million andwith a 2043 maturity date designated as Series 2022A ($16.2 million)2023A. Proceeds were used to reduce the Company’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit.

In May 2023, Tidewater closed on a $20.0 million loan from CoBank, ACB (CoBank) with an interest rate of 5.71% and Series 2022B ($36.0 million)a 2033 maturity date and fully drew all funds by June 30, 2023. Proceeds from the loan were used to pay off Tidewater’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit and for other general corporate purposes.

In April 2023, Tidewater closed on three Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC)-approved Delaware SRF loans totaling $10.2 million, all at interest rates of 2.0% with maturity dates in 2043 and 2044. These loans are for the construction, relocation, improvement, relocation and/or interconnection of transmission mains. Tidewater has drawn a total of $1.3 million through June 30, 2023 and expects that the requisitions will continue through mid-2024.

In December 2021, Tidewater closed on a DEPSC-approved $5.0 million Delaware SRF loan at an interest rate of 2.0%. The interest rate on the Series 2022A bond is zero and the interest rate on the Series 2022B bond ranges between 2.7% and 3.0%. The final maturity date for both FMBs is August 1, 2056, with scheduled debt service payments over the life of these loans.

7


Index

In November 2021, Tidewater received approval from the DEPSC to borrow up to $5.0 million under the Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programloan was 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, Tidewater has drawn a total of $2.6$4.2 million and expects borrowing under this loan tothat the requisitions will continue through mid-2023.the third quarter of 2023. The final maturity date on the loan is 2044.

Under the Delaware SRF Program, borrowers submit reimbursement requisitions during the construction period. As the proceeds are received from the requisitions, Tidewater records a corresponding debt obligation amount.

In July 2023, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater closed on $3.9 million and $3.6 million CoBank amortizing mortgage type loans, respectively, with an interest rate of 6.17% and a final maturity date of 2043 for each loan. Proceeds were used to pay off outstanding intercompany loans with Middlesex and for ongoing capital projects.

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, trade receivables,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,in the Bonds)table below 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 BondsFMBs in the table below are classified as Level 2 measurements. The carrying amount and fair value of the BondsFMBs were as follows:

(Thousands of Dollars)

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

FMBs

$147,269

$139,285

$98,828

$107,781

  (Thousands of Dollars)
  June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
  Amount Value Amount Value
 FMBs  $146,496  $141,748  $147,269  $138,756 

It was not practicable to estimate theirthe 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 Note”,Notes” and “State Revolving Trust Note”, “State Revolving Trust Bond”, “Construction Loans”Notes” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Capital Stock and Long-Term Debt). The carrying amount of these instruments was $160.1$220.2 million and $212.3$159.1 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively. Customer advances for construction have carrying

8


Index

amounts of $22.4$21.0 million and $23.5$21.4 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, 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.


Index

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.

  (In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022
Basic:  Income Shares Income Shares
Net Income $9,901   17,713  $8,868   17,583 
Preferred Dividend  (30)      (30)    
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $9,871   17,713  $8,838   17,583 
                 
Basic EPS $0.56      $0.50     
                 
Diluted:                
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $9,871   17,713  $8,838   17,583 
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend  17   115   17   115 
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to  Common Stock $9,888   17,828  $8,855   17,698 
                 
Diluted EPS $0.55      $0.50     

  (In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022
Basic:  Income Shares Income Shares
Net Income $15,767   17,683  $20,968   17,560 
Preferred Dividend  (60)      (60)    
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $15,707   17,683  $20,908   17,560 
                 
Basic EPS $0.89      $1.19     
                 
Diluted:                
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $15,707   17,683  $20,908   17,560 
$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend  34   115   34   115 
Adjusted Earnings Applicable to  Common Stock $15,741   17,798  $20,942   17,675 
                 
Diluted EPS $0.88      $1.18     

(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)

Three Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

Basic:

Income

Shares

Income

Shares

Net Income

$

14,291

17,628

$

11,476

17,491

Preferred Dividend

(30

)

(30

)

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

14,261

17,628

$

11,446

17,491

 

Basic EPS

$

0.81

$

0.65

 

Diluted:

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

14,261

17,628

$

11,446

17,491

$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend

17

115

17

115

Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

14,278

17,743

$

11,463

17,606

 

Diluted EPS

$

0.80

$

0.65


Index

(In Thousands Except per Share Amounts)

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

Basic:

Income

Shares

Income

Shares

Net Income

$

35,258

17,583

$

29,305

17,485

Preferred Dividend

(90

)

(90

)

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

35,168

17,583

$

29,215

17,485

 

Basic EPS

$

2.00

$

1.67

 

Diluted:

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

35,168

17,583

$

29,215

17,485

$7.00 Series Preferred Dividend

51

115

50

115

Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

$

35,219

17,698

$

29,265

17,600

 

Diluted EPS

$

1.99

$

1.66

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

9


Index

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.

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
Operations by Segments: 2023 2022 2023 2022
Revenues:        
Regulated $39,909  $37,037  $74,862  $70,361 
Non – Regulated  3,056   2,875   6,398   5,885 
Inter-segment Elimination  (164)  (229)  (303)  (367)
Consolidated Revenues $42,801  $39,683  $80,957  $75,879 
                 
Operating Income:                
Regulated $9,820  $9,336  $16,535  $21,043 
Non – Regulated  849   752   1,622   1,569 
Consolidated Operating Income $10,669  $10,088  $18,157  $22,612 
                 
Net Income:                
Regulated $9,307  $8,314  $14,631  $19,814 
Non – Regulated  594   554   1,136   1,154 
Consolidated Net Income $9,901  $8,868  $15,767  $20,968 
                 
Capital Expenditures:                
Regulated $26,114  $22,549  $50,579  $39,134 
Non – Regulated  6   163   56   209 
Total Capital Expenditures $26,120  $22,712  $50,635  $39,343 

  As of  As of         
 June 30, 2023  December 31, 2022         
Assets:                
Regulated $1,126,436  $1,079,180         
Non – Regulated  7,677   6,999         
Inter-segment Elimination  (6,527)  (11,729)        
Consolidated Assets $1,127,586  $1,074,450         

(In Thousands)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Operations by Segments:

2022

2021

2022

2021

Revenues:

Regulated

$

44,861

$

37,396

$

115,222

$

100,426

Non – Regulated

3,431

2,995

9,316

9,657

Inter-segment Elimination

(560

)

(517

)

(927

)

(966

)

Consolidated Revenues

$

47,732

$

39,874

$

123,611

$

109,117

 

Operating Income:

Regulated

$

15,750

$

10,654

$

36,793

$

24,082

Non – Regulated

825

770

2,393

2,791

Consolidated Operating Income

$

16,575

$

11,424

$

39,186

$

26,873

 

Net Income:

Regulated

$

13,683

$

10,924

$

33,496

$

27,271

Non – Regulated

608

552

1,762

2,034

Consolidated Net Income

$

14,291

$

11,476

$

35,258

$

29,305

 

Capital Expenditures:

Regulated

$

26,588

$

14,743

$

65,722

$

61,097

Non – Regulated

8

2

217

148

Total Capital Expenditures

$

26,596

$

14,745

$

65,939

$

61,245


Index

As of

As of

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Assets:

Regulated

$

1,066,755

$

1,022,116

Non – Regulated

6,963

7,811

Inter-segment Elimination

(9,049

)

(9,912

)

Consolidated Assets

$

1,064,669

$

1,020,015

Note 6 – Short-term Borrowings

The Company maintains lines of credit aggregating $140.0$140.0 million.

(Millions)

 (Millions)   

As of September 30, 2022

Renewal Date

 As of June 30, 2023   

Outstanding

Available

Maximum

Credit Type

 Outstanding Available Maximum Credit Type Renewal Date

Bank of America

$

7.0

$

53.0

$

60.0

Uncommitted

January 26, 2023

 $5.0  $55.0  $60.0  Uncommitted January 25, 2024

PNC Bank

30.5

37.5

68.0

Committed

January 31, 2024

  18.5  $49.5   68.0  Committed July 31, 2025

CoBank

3.0

9.0

12.0

Committed

November 30, 2023

     12.0   12.0  Committed November 30, 2023

$

40.5

$

99.5

$

140.0

 $23.5  $116.5  $140.0     

10


Index

The interest raterates are set for borrowings under the Bank of America and PNC Bank lines of credit is set 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, which varies by financial institution.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 Standard Overnight Financing RateSOFR 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 under these credit lines is 3.81%6.24%.

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2022

2021

2022

2021

Average Daily Amounts Outstanding

$

33,750

$

40,543

$

22,648

$

22,841

Weighted Average Interest Rates

3.34

%

1.13

%

2.48

%

1.14

%

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
  2023 2022 2023 2022
Average Daily Amounts Outstanding $24,220  $20,527  $36,848  $17,006 
Weighted Average Interest Rates  6.09%   1.88%   5.75%   1.58% 

The maturity dates for the $40.5$23.5 million outstanding as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 are in October 2022 to December 2022,July 2023 through September 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). The agreement renewal process is underway and a new agreement is expected to be in place prior to the expiration date of the existing agreement. Middlesex does not expect the agreement terms and conditions to vary. 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.


Index

Purchased water costs are shown below:

 (In Thousands)

(In Thousands)

 

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

 June 30, June 30,

September 30,

September 30,

 

 2023 2022 2023 2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

 

        

Treated

 

$

936

$

889

$

2,467

$

2,641

 

 $1,363  $785  $2,747  $1,531 

Untreated

 

835

841

2,384

2,483

 

  739   739   1,540   1,550 

Total Costs

 

$

1,771

$

1,730

$

4,851

$

5,124

 

 $2,102  $1,524  $4,287  $3,081 

Guarantees - LeasesAs part of an agreement with the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (County), prior to 2020 Middlesex had served as guarantor of the performance of an unaffiliated wastewater treatment contractor and partner (Contractor), to operate a County-owned leachate pretreatment facility.

In November 2019, Middlesex was notified that the County terminated its Agreement with the Contractor. The Contractor had initiated legal action against the County that, in part, contests the County’s exercise of this termination. The County filed a counter-claim against the Contractor’s parent company and has brought Middlesex into the suit as a third-party defendant. Our ongoing monitoring of this litigation has led to the conclusion that we do not anticipate the ultimate outcome will have a material impact, if any, on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

11


Index

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%(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$0.2 million for each of the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, respectively, and $0.6$0.4 million for each of the nineat this six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, and 2021, respectively.

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

  (In Millions)
  As of
  June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
ROU Asset at Lease Inception $7.3  $7.3 
Accumulated Amortization  (3.8)  (3.5)
Current ROU Asset $3.5  $3.8 

 

(In Millions)

As of

 

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

ROU Asset at Lease Inception

 

$

7.3

$

7.3

Accumulated Amortization

 

(3.3

)

(2.8

)

Current ROU Asset

 

$

4.0

$

4.5


Index

The Company’s future minimum operating lease commitments as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 are as follows:

 

(In Millions)

 (In Millions)

2022

 

$

0.2

 

2023

 

 

0.8

 

  0.4 

2024

 

0.8

 

  0.8 

2025

 

 

0.8

 

  0.8 

2026

 

 

0.9

 

  0.9 
2027  0.9 

Thereafter

 

 

2.7

 

  1.8 

Total Lease Payments

 

$

6.2

 

 $5.6 

Imputed Interest

 

 

(1.6

)

  (1.6)

Present Value of Lease Payments

 

 

4.6

 

  4.0 

Less Current Portion*

 

 

(0.7

)

  (0.6)

Non-Current Lease Liability

 

$

3.9

 

 $3.4 

 

 

 

 

    

*Included in Other Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

*Included in Other Current Liabilities 

12


Index

Construction -The Company has forecasted to spend approximately $85$101 million for its construction program in 2022.2023. The Company has entered into several construction contracts that, in the aggregate, obligate expenditure of an estimated $26$13 million in the future. The actual amount and timing of capital expenditures is dependent on the need for upgrade or 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 and could be impacted if the effects of new variants of COVID-19 pandemic arise and continue for an extended period of time (for further discussion of the impact of COVID-19costs. With continued upward pressure on the Company, see Note 1 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic). Theremortgage 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 certain of its executive officers that provide compensation and benefits in the event of termination of employment under certain conditions 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.,Company, based upon a percentage of the participants’ annual paid compensation. For each of the three- and nine-monthsix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, the Company did not make cash contributions to the Pension Plan. The Company expects to make cash contributions of approximately $3.4$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 $0.4$0.5 million in annual benefits to the retired participants.


Index

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-six month and nine-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, the Company did not make cash contributions to its Other Benefits Plan. The Company does not expectexpects to make anyadditional Other Benefits Plan cash contributions to its Other Benefits Planof $0.9 million over the remainder of 2022.the current year.

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

(In Thousands)

 (In Thousands)

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

 Pension Benefits Other Benefits

Three Months Ended September 30,

 Three Months Ended June 30,

2022

2021

2022

2021

 2023 2022 2023 2022

        

Service Cost

$

591

$

674

$

200

$

229

 $388  $591  $98  $200 

Interest Cost

761

677

331

309

  1,067   761   402   331 

Expected Return on Assets

(1,760

)

(1,556

)

(887

)

(786

)

  (1,466)  (1,760)  (771)  (887)

Amortization of Unrecognized Losses

418

717

-

132

  164   418   (48)   

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit)*

$

10

$

512

$

(356

)

$

(116

)

 $153  $10  $(319) $(356)
                

  (In Thousands)
  Pension Benefits Other Benefits
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022 2023 2022
Service Cost $776  $1,181  $196  $399 
Interest Cost  2,134   1,521   804   663 
Expected Return on Assets  (2,932)  (3,520)  (1,542)  (1,773)
Amortization of Unrecognized Losses  328   837   (96)   
Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit)* $306  $19  $(638) $(711)

13


Index

(In Thousands)

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

2022

2021

 

Service Cost

$

1,772

$

2,022

$

599

$

687

Interest Cost

2,282

2,030

994

927

Expected Return on Assets

(5,281

)

(4,669

)

(2,660

)

(2,357

)

Amortization of Unrecognized Losses

1,255

2,151

-

396

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Benefit)*

$

28

$

1,534

$

(1,067

)

$

(347

)

*Service cost is included in Operations and Maintenance expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Income;income; all other amounts are included in Other Income/Expense,Income (Expense), net.

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.


Index

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.

14


Index

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

  (In Thousands)
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2023 2022 2023 2022
Regulated Tariff Sales                
Residential $22,653  $21,508  $41,657  $40,659 
Commercial  6,249   5,203   11,627   9,630 
Industrial  2,806   2,700   5,645   5,295 
Fire Protection  3,145   3,173   6,249   6,294 
Wholesale  4,968   4,297   9,521   8,260 
Non-Regulated Contract Operations  2,942   2,765   6,172   5,665 
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers $42,763  $39,646  $80,871  $75,803 
Other Regulated Revenues  88   156   163   223 
Other Non-Regulated Revenues  114   110   226   220 
Inter-segment Elimination  (164)  (229)  (303)  (367)
Total Revenue $42,801  $39,683  $80,957  $75,879 


Index

(In Thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2022

2021

2022

2021

Regulated Tariff Sales

Residential

$

25,108

$

22,517

$

65,767

$

59,711

Commercial

7,167

4,903

16,796

12,587

Industrial

3,208

2,538

8,504

6,858

Fire Protection

3,248

3,171

9,541

9,436

Wholesale

5,644

3,822

13,905

11,079

Non-Regulated Contract Operations

3,321

2,888

8,986

9,336

Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers

$

47,696

$

39,839

$

123,499

$

109,007

Other Regulated Revenues

486

445

709

755

Other Non-Regulated Revenues

110

107

330

321

Inter-segment Elimination

(560

)

(517

)

(927

)

(966

)

Total Revenue

$

47,732

$

39,874

$

123,611

$

109,117

Note 10 – Income Taxes

The Company’s federal income tax returns for the tax years 2014 through 2017 were selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which included the tax year in which the Company had adopted the final IRS tangible property regulations and changed its accounting method for the tax treatment of expenditures that qualified as deductible repairs. As a result of the audit examination, the Company agreed to certain modifications of its accounting method for expenditures that qualify as deductible repairs. In 2019, the Company paid $2.7 million in income taxes and $0.1 million in interest in connection with the conclusion of the 2014 through 2017 federal income tax return audits. The statutory review period for 2018 and prior federal income tax returns has now closed, and as such, in the third quarter of 2022 the Company reversed the income tax reserve provision and interest expense liability of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

15


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, 2021.2022.

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:

 

-expected financial condition, performance, prospects and earnings of the Company;
-strategic plans for growth;
-the amount and timing of rate increases and other regulatory matters, including the recovery of certain costs recorded as regulatory assets;
-the Company’s expected liquidity needs during the upcoming fiscal year and beyond and the sources and availability of funds to meet its liquidity needs;
-expected customer rates, consumption volumes, service fees, revenues, margins, expenses and operating results;
-financial projections;
-the expected amount of cash contributions to fund the Company’s retirement benefit plans, anticipated discount rates and rates of return on plan assets;
-the ability of the Company to pay dividends;
-the Company’s compliance with environmental laws and regulations and estimations of the materiality of any related costs;
-the safety and reliability of the Company’s equipment, facilities and operations;
-the Company’s plans to renew municipal franchises and consents in the territories it serves;
-trends; and
-the availability and quality of our water supply.

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:

 

-effects of general economic conditions;
-increases in competition for growth in non-franchised markets to be potentially served by the Company;
-ability of the Company to adequately control selected operating expenses which are necessary to maintain safe and proper utility services, and which may be beyond the Company’s control;
-availability of adequate supplies of quality water;
-actions taken by government regulators, including decisions on rate increase requests;
-new or modified water quality standards and compliance with related legal and regulatory requirements;
-weather variations and other natural phenomena impacting utility operations;
-financial and operating risks associated with acquisitions and/or privatizations;
-acts of war or terrorism;
-cyber-attacks;
-changes in the pace of new housing development;
-availability and cost of capital resources;
-timely availability of materials and supplies for operations and critical infrastructure projects;
-impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and
-other factors discussed elsewhere in this report.

 

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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, 2021.2022.

 

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 57,00056,000 retail customers in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. Tidewater’s subsidiary, White Marsh, services approximately 6,2004,500 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 August 2032 (for further discussion of USA’s recent renewal of its operations and maintenance contract with Avalon, see “Recent Developments-Avalon Contract Renewal” below).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. These contracts also requireIn addition to performing day-to-day service operations, USA to manageis 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 functionsmatters associated with HomeServe’s service contracts.

USA also provides unregulated water and wastewater services under contract with several New Jersey municipalities.

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Recent Developments

 

Middlesex Base Water Rate Increase Request - In May 2023, Middlesex filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) seeking permission to increase annual base water revenues by approximately $34 million. The request was necessitated predominantly by capital infrastructure investments Middlesex has made, or has committed to make, to ensure proper maintenance, development and improvement of its utility assets to support continued regulatory compliance and overall quality of service. We cannot predict when and whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the request. Under New Jersey statute, the NJPBU must render a decision within nine months of filing a base rate change petition.

Middlesex President and Chief Executive Officer Retirement Announcement – In May 2023, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dennis W. Doll announced a plan to retire upon turning age 65. Mr. Doll’s retirement is planned for the later of December 31, 2023 or, the date when a successor is duly named and effectively transitioned into the position. Mr. Doll will remain a member of the Middlesex Board of Directors (Board) through the expiration of his current term in May 2024. A search for Mr. Doll’s successor is being led by the Compensation Committee of the Board in collaboration with a nationally-recognized executive search firm.

Pinelands’ Base Rate Increases Approved - 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 annual 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.

In May 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to increase the number of authorized shares under the Investment Plan by 0.7 million shares.

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. These loans are for the construction, relocation, improvement, relocation and/or interconnection of transmission mains. Tidewater has drawn a total of $1.3 million through June 30, 2023 and expects that the requisitions will continue through mid-2024.

In May 2023, Tidewater closed on a $20.0 million loan from CoBank, ACB (CoBank) with an interest rate of 5.71% and a 2033 maturity date. Proceeds from the loan were used to pay off Tidewater’s outstanding balances under its bank lines of credit and for other general corporate purposes.

Pinelands - In July 2023, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater closed on $3.9 million and $3.6 million CoBank amortizing mortgage type loans, respectively, with an interest rate of 6.17% and a final maturity date of 2043 for each loan. Proceeds from the loans were used to pay off outstanding intercompany loans with Middlesex and for ongoing capital projects.


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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 $85$50 million in 2022second half of 2023 in connection with projects that include, but are not limited to:

 

·NewCompletion of construction of a facility to provide an enhanced treatment process at the Company’s largest New Jersey wellfield located in South Plainfield, New Jersey to comply with new state water quality regulations relativerelated to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances collectively referred to as PFAS,(PFAS), and integrate surge protection to mitigate spikes in water pressures along with enhancements to corrosion control and disinfectionchlorination processes;
·Replacement of approximately six miles24,000 linear feet of cast iron 6" water mains including full main and service line replacements, meter pit installations and fire hydrant replacements in the TownshipBorough of Carteret and the Port Reading section of Woodbridge, New Jersey;
·Two new elevated waterReplacement of Company and customer owned lead and galvanized steel service lines;
Interconnecting Tidewater’s Angola and Meadows Districts which will provide redundant capacity and storage tanks in our Tidewater service territory;for both districts; and
·Various other water main replacements and improvements.

 

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 recentlystandard promulgated in a NJDEP standardregulation 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 has characterized this exceedance as an acute health threat. However, Middlesex was required to notify its affected customers and complied in November 2021 as required by the regulation.

 

The Notice further requiredPrior to 2021, the Company to take any action necessary to comply with the new standard by September 7, 2022. 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. SinceAt that time, the completion isof enhanced treatment process was not expected until mid-2023,mid-2023. Consequently, in DecemberNovember 2021, the Company implemented an interim solution to meet the Notice requirements. The Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant was taken off-line and alternate sources of supply have been obtained. Simultaneously,

In June 2022, the Company accelerated the in-service date for a portion of the enhanced treatment project to allowthat allowed a restart of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment Plant ahead of historical higher water demand periods during the summer months.

In June 2022, construction of the accelerated portion was completed and the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant is effectively treating ground water to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. Working in coordination with the NJDEP, the Company successfully restarted the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatement Plant and introduced wellfield water into the distribution system. Water being delivered to customers is in compliance with all United States Environmental Protection Agency and NJDEP drinking water standards, including the newly established water quality standard for PFOA.

 

OnIn September 13, 2022, the Company entered into an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) with the NJDEP with respect to the Notice, 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 avoidedvoided any further Noticenotice regarding the fact that the permanent treatment solution was not in service by September 7, 2022.2022 as required by the Notice.

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In June 2023, the Company completed the permanent construction of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades, placed the treatment upgrades into operation, and the Company believes all water at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant complies with the NJDEP PFOA standards. The Company must issue the public notifications by February 22, 2023 and continue to complete and distribute public information as prescribed in the ACO. In addition, in accordancebelieves it has complied with the ACO:

·On or before June 30, 2023, the Company shall complete the permanent construction of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades, place the treatment upgrades into operation, and all water at the Park Avenue Wellfield Treatment Plant shall be treated to comply with the PFOA NJDEP standards.

·The Company must perform required sample testing and reporting for PFOA subsequent to completion of the Park Avenue Wellfield treatment upgrades.

·The Company shall submit to the NJDEP quarterly progress reports detailing the Company’s compliance with the ACO.

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

 

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 taken this action in addition tohad also initiated a separate lawsuit against the Company initiated againstclaimed polluter, 3M, seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances,the Company’s claim that 3M introduced PFAS, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility.

In January 2022, A trial date is set for October 2, 2023 in the Company filed a petition withUnited States District Court for the District of 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.

Sale of Subsidiary – In January 2022, Middlesex closed on the Delaware Public Service Commission (DEPSC) approved sale of 100% of the common stock of its subsidiary Tidewater Environmental Services, Inc. to Artesian Wastewater Management, Inc. for $6.4 million in cash and other consideration, resulting in a $5.2 million pre-tax gain. The Company will continue to own and operate its non-regulated water and wastewater contract operations business in Delaware.Newark, New Jersey.

Avalon Contract Renewal – In August 2022, USA, Middlesex’s non-regulated subsidiary, was awarded a competitively-bid 10-year operations and maintenance contract with Avalon under which USA will continue to operate Avalon’s water utility, sewer utility and storm water system. USA is also required to manage capital projects funded by Avalon. USA previously operated Avalon’s systems under a 10-year contract that expired in August 2022. The new contract commenced September 1, 2022.

Rate and Regulatory Matters

Middlesex – In December 2021, Middlesex’s petition to the NJBPU seeking permission to increase its base water rates was concluded, based on a negotiated settlement, resulting in an expected increase in annual operating revenues of $27.7 million. The approved tariff rates were designed to recover increased operating costs as well as a return on invested capital of $513.5 million, based on an authorized return on common equity of 9.6%. The increase is being 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 negotiated 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.

 

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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 regulated 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.Outlook

 

Tidewater – On August 31, 2022, 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. In June 2022, the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate filed a petition with the DEPSC requesting that Tidewater’s rates be reduced based on the claim that Tidewater had been earning above its authorized rate of return. The rate reduction is expected to reduce annual revenues by approximately $2.2 million.

In June 2022, Tidewater notified the DEPSC of its intention to file for a base water rate increase in the first quarter of 2023 based on projected increases in operational expenses and capital construction expenditures.

Pinelands - In September 2022, Pinelands Water and Pinelands Wastewater filed separate petitions with the NJBPU seeking permission to increase base rates by approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million per year, respectively. These requests were necessitated by capital infrastructure investments both companies have made, or have committed to make, and increased operations and maintenance costs. We cannot predict whether the NJBPU will ultimately approve, deny, or reduce the amount of the requests. A decision by the NJBPU in either matter is not expected before the first quarter of 2023.

COVID-19On October 13, 2022, 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. 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 DEPSC have approved the tracking of COVID-19 related incremental costs for potential recovery in customer rates in future rate proceedings. Neither jurisdiction has established a timetable or definitive formal procedures for seeking cost recovery. Since March 2020, the Company has increased its allowance for doubtful accounts for expected increases in 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 business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

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. Due to an extended period of dry and high temperature weather conditions in New Jersey, on July 21, 2022, the Company issued a request to its customers located in our Middlesex system located in central New Jersey to voluntarily limit non-essential water use until further notice.

 

The DEPSC issued an Order requiring Tidewater to reduce its base rates charged to general metered and private fire customers by 6% (for further discussion of the impact of this on the Company, see Rate and Regulatory Matters, Tidewater above). Our investments in system infrastructure continue to grow significantly and our operating costs are anticipatedcontinue to increase in 2022 and 2023 in a variety of categories. These factors among others, resulted in Pinelands filing for base rate increases in September 2022, will require Tidewaterled Middlesex to file for a base rate increase in the first quarter of 2023 and may requireMay 2023. Tidewater has not yet determined the need to file for an additionala base rate increase but continues to monitor its requirements for Middlesexa rate filing in 2023.

 

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An additional factor that we continue to actively monitor is the impact of new variants of COVID-19 on the general economy, our suppliers and our workforce (for further discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on the Company, see “Recent Developments-COVID-19” above).

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

 

The Company has projected to spend approximately $230$268 million for the 2022-20242023-2025 capital investment program, including approximately $47$22 million for PFAS-related treatment upgrades, $18 million for Lead and Copper Rule compliance in the Middlesex System, $32$34 million on the RENEW Program, which is our ongoing initiative to replace water mains in the Middlesex System $15and $8 million for construction of elevated storage tanks in our Tidewater and Middlesex Systems and $4 million for the rehabilitation and other improvements associated with Middlesex’s primary field operations and inventory facilities.Systems.

 

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

 

·Invest in projects, products and services that complement our core water and wastewater competencies;
·Timely and adequate recovery of infrastructure investments and other costs to maintain service quality;
·Prudent acquisitions of investor and municipally-owned water and wastewater utilities; and
·Operation of municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems on a contract basis which meet our risk profile.

 

The calendar year 2023 is a period of significant transition for the Company based on the items noted above and elsewhere in this document, including the transition of the CEO and other elements of the Company’s succession plan, various rate case and other regulatory proceedings and various construction and financing initiatives. The timing and extent of these matters, both individually and collectively, may impact financial results in 2023. No such items however, are expected to have a material adverse effect on revenues or earnings.

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.

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Results of Operations – Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023

 

  (In Thousands) 
  Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2022  2021 
  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total 
Revenues $44,411  $3,321  $47,732  $36,986  $2,888  $39,874 
Operations and maintenance expenses  17,935   2,377   20,312   16,952   1,998   18,950 
Depreciation expense  5,754   60   5,814   5,445   59   5,504 
Other taxes  4,972   59   5,031   3,935   61   3,996 
  Operating income  15,750   825   16,575   10,654   770   11,424 
                         
Other income, net  1,967   72   2,039   1,043   45   1,088 
Interest expense  2,355      2,355   2,101      2,101 
Income taxes  1,679   289   1,968   (1,328)  263   (1,065)
  Net income $13,683  $608  $14,291  $10,924  $552  $11,476 
  (In Thousands) 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2023  2022 
  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total 
Revenues $39,859  $2,942  $42,801  $36,918  $2,765  $39,683 
Operations and maintenance expenses  19,243   1,961   21,204   17,667   1,890   19,557 
Depreciation expense  6,119   65   6,184   5,608   62   5,670 
Other taxes  4,677   67   4,744   4,307   61   4,368 
Operating income  9,820   849   10,669   9,336   752   10,088 
                         
Other income, net  2,102   40   2,142   1,878   66   1,944 
Interest expense (benefit)  3,251      3,251   2,370   (1)  2,369 
Income taxes expense (benefit)  (636)  295   (341)  530   265   795 
Net income $9,307  $594  $9,901  $8,314  $554  $8,868 

Operating Revenues

 

Operating revenues for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $7.9$3.1 million from the same period in 20212022 due to the following factors:

 

·Middlesex System revenues increased $7.6$2.8 million due to its approvedthe implementation of the final phase of the 2021 base rate case increase on January 1, 2023 and higher contract customer demand;
Tidewater System revenues remained consistent due to higher demand and an increased customer base offset by lower new connection fees and lower revenue from a 2022 DEPSC-ordered rate deduction;
Pinelands revenues increased $0.1 million due to the implementation of a base rate increase effective January 1, 2022April 15, 2023; and higher weather-driven customer demand (for further discussion of Middlesex’s base rate increase, see “Rate and Regulatory Matters-Middlesex” above);
·Tidewater System revenues increased $0.6 million due to additional customers and higher weather-driven customer demand partially offset by a 6% rate reduction effective September 1, 2022 (for further discussion of Tidewater’s rate reduction, see “Rate and Regulatory Matters-Tidewater” above);
·The sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022 reduced revenues by $0.7 million (for further discussion of the sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary, see “Recent Developments-Sale of Subsidiary” above); and
·Non-regulated revenues increased $0.4$0.2 million primarily due to higher supplemental contract services.

 

Operation and Maintenance Expense

 

Operation and maintenance expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $1.4$1.6 million from the same period in 20212022 due to the following factors:

 

·Higher demand for water and changes in water quality in our Middlesex system resulted in $1.1 million of increased variable production costs;
Labor costs rose by $0.4 million due to annual rate increases;
Non-regulated operation and maintenance expense increased $0.2 million, primarily due to higher supplemental contract services;
Lower weather-related main break activity in our Middlesex system resulting from milder weather during the winter months resulted in $0.2 million of additionaldecreased non-labor costs; and
·Labor costs increased $0.5 million due to wage increases;
·Costs for employee benefits increased $0.2 million due to higher health insurance premiums;
·Billable supplemental contract service expenses in our non-regulated subsidiaries increased $0.3 million (see corresponding increase in operating revenues above);
·Transportation costs increased $0.1 million due to higher fuel prices; and
·All other operation and maintenance expense categories increased $0.1 million.

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $0.3$0.5 million from the same period in 20212022 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.

 

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Other Taxes

 

Other taxes for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $1.0$0.4 million from the same period in 20212022 primarily due to higher revenue related taxes on increased revenues in our Middlesex system.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other Income, net for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $1.0$0.2 million from the same period in 20212022 due primarily to higher actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit and higher Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) resulting from a higher level of capital projects in progress.

 

Interest Charges

 

Interest charges for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $0.3$0.9 million from the same period in 20212022 due to higher average long-term debt outstanding and higheran increase in average interest rates in 2022 as compared to 2021.borrowing rates.

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 increased2023 decreased by $3.0$1.1 million from the same period in 2021,2022, primarily due to higher pre-tax income and the expiration ofassociated with greater income tax benefits associated with the adoption of Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”)increased repair expenditures on tangible property regulations asin the Middlesex was required by the NJBPU to account for the benefit of adopting these regulations over 48 months beginning in 2018.system and lower pre-tax income.

 

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

 

Net income for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 increase $2.82023 increased $1.0 million as compared with the same period in 2021.2022. Basic earnings per share were $0.81$0.56 and $0.65$0.50 for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $0.80$0.55 and $0.65$0.50 for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 

Results of Operations – NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023

 

  (In Thousands) 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2022  2021 
  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total 
Revenues $114,625  $8,986  $123,611  $99,781  $9,336  $109,117 
Operations and maintenance expenses  52,780   6,227   59,007   49,077   6,188   55,265 
Depreciation expense  16,925   182   17,107   15,354   169   15,523 
Other taxes  13,359   184   13,543   11,268   188   11,456 
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary  5,232      5,232          
  Operating income  36,793   2,393   39,186   24,082   2,791   26,873 
                         
Other income, net  5,531   207   5,738   4,512   172   4,684 
Interest expense  6,575   (1)  6,574   5,910      5,910 
Income taxes  2,253   839   3,092   (4,587)  929   (3,658)
  Net income $33,496  $1,762  $35,258  $27,271  $2,034  $29,305 
  (In Thousands) 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2023  2022 
  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total  Regulated  Non-
Regulated
  Total 
Revenues $74,785  $6,172  $80,957  $70,214  $5,665  $75,879 
Operations and maintenance expenses  37,173   4,289   41,462   34,845   3,850   38,695 
Depreciation expense  12,039   131   12,170   11,171   121   11,292 
Other taxes  9,038   130   9,168   8,387   125   8,512 
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary           5,232      5,232 
Operating income  16,535   1,622   18,157   21,043   1,569   22,612 
                         
Other income, net  3,770   83   3,853   3,565   134   3,699 
Interest expense (benefit)  5,846      5,846   4,220   (1)  4,219 
Income taxes expense (benefit)  (172)  569   397   574   550   1,124 
Net income $14,631  $1,136  $15,767  $19,814  $1,154  $20,968 

 

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Operating Revenues

 

Operating revenues for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $14.5$5.1 million from the same period in 20212022 due to the following factors:

 

·Middlesex System revenues increased $15.7$5.0 million due to its approvedthe implementation of the final phase of the 2021 base rate case increase on January 1, 2023 and higher contract customer demand;

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Tidewater System revenues decreased $0.5 million due to lower new connection fees and lower revenue from a 2022 DEPSC-ordered rate deduction partially offset by higher demand and an increased customer base;
Non-regulated revenues increased $0.5 million due to higher supplemental contract services; and
Pinelands revenue increased $0.1 million due to the implementation of a base rate increase effective January 1, 2022 and higher weather driven demand from customers (for further discussion of Middlesex’s base rate increase, see “Rate and Regulatory Matters-Middlesex” above);April 15, 2023.
·Tidewater System revenues increased $1.2 million due to additional customers and a one-time customer credit issued in the first quarter of 2021 partially offset by a 6% rate reduction effective September 1, 2022 (for further discussion of Tidewater’s rate reduction, see “Rate and Regulatory Matters-Tidewater” above);
·The sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022 reduced revenues by $2.0 million (for further discussion of the sale of our regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary, see “Recent Developments-Sale of Subsidiary” above); and
·Non-regulated revenues decreased $0.4 million due to lower supplemental contract services.

 

Operation and Maintenance Expense

 

Operation and maintenance expenses for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $3.7$2.8 million from the same period in 20212022 due to the following factors:

 

Higher demand for water resulted in $2.0 million of increased variable production costs;
Labor costs also increased by $0.6 million due to wage increases;
·HigherNon-regulated operation and maintenance expense increased $0.4 million, primarily due to higher supplemental contract services;
Lower weather-related main break activity in our Middlesex system during the winter months resulted in $0.5$0.7 million of additionaldecreased non-labor costs; and
·Labor costs also increased by $1.2 million due to wage increases;
·Costs for employee benefits increased $0.9 million due to market fluctuations in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies and higher health insurance premiums;
·Variable production costs increased $0.2 million primarily due to weather-driven changes in water quality and higher chemical prices;
·Costs associated with the NJDEP PFOA customer notification process resulted in $0.2 million of additional expense (for further discussion of the NJDEP PFOA Notice, see “Recent Developments-Regulatory Notice of Non-Compliance” above);
·Transportation costs increased $0.2 million due to higher fuel prices; and
·All other operation and maintenance expense categories increased $0.5 million.

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation expense for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $1.6$0.9 million from the same period in 20212022 due to a higher level of utility plant in service.

 

Other Taxes

 

Other taxes for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $2.1$0.7 million from the same period in 20212022 primarily due to higher revenue related taxes on increased revenues in our Middlesex system.

 

Gain on Sale of Subsidiary

 

Middlesex recognized a $5.2 million gain on the sale of its regulated Delaware wastewater subsidiary in January 2022.

 

Other Income, net

 

Other Income, net for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 increased $1.1$0.2 million from the same period in 20212022 primarily due to higher AFUDC resulting from a higher level of capital projects in progress offset by lower actuarially-determined retirement benefit plans non-service benefit partially offset by lower AFUDC resulting from a reduced level of capital projects in progress.benefit.

 

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Interest Charges

 

Interest charges for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 increased $1.6 million from the same period in 2022 increaseddue to higher average debt outstanding and an increase in average borrowing rates.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2023 decreased by $0.7 million from the same period in 2021 due to higher average long-term outstanding and higher average interest rates in 2022, as compared to 2021.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 increased by $6.8 million from the same period in 2021, primarily due to income taxes on the gain on the sale of a subsidiary, higher pre-tax operating income and the expiration of income tax benefits associated with the adoption of IRS 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 these increases were greater income tax benefits associated with increased repair expenditures on tangible property in the Middlesex system.system and lower pretax income due to gain on the sale of a subsidiary in 2022.

 

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

 

Net income for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 increased $6.02023 decreased $5.2 million as compared with the same period in 2021.2022. Basic earnings per share were $2.00$0.89 and $1.67$1.19 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.99$0.88 and $1.66$1.18 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 


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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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, cash flows from operating activities increased $25.6$2.4 million to $44.2$29.3 million. The increase in cash flows from operating activities primarily resulted from higher operating revenuesbillings from Middlesex’sthe implementation of the final phase of the 2021 base rate case increase on January 1, 2022 rate increase and the timing of payments to vendors.2023.

 

Investing Cash Flows

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, cash flows used in investing activities increased $1.6$14.4 million to $62.8 million. The increase in cash flows used in investing activities resulted from$50.6 million due to increased utility plant expenditures partially offset byin 2023 and cash received in January 2022 from the sale of Middlesex’s regulated wastewater subsidiary in January 2022.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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, cash flows from financing activities decreased $19.5increased $11.8 million to $18.0$21.9 million. The decreaseincrease in cash flows provided by financing activities is due to a reductionan increase in net short-term bank borrowings and lower net customer advances and contributions partially offset by increased proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the Middlesex Water Company Investment Plan (the Investment Plan).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.

 

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The capital investment program for 20222023 is currently estimated to be approximately $85$101 million. Through SeptemberJune 30, 20222023, we have expended $65.9$50.6 million and expect to incur approximately $19$50 million for capital projects for the remainder of 2022.2023.

 

We currently project that we may expend approximately $145$166 million for capital projects in 20232024 and 2024.2025. 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 and, could be impacted if new variants of the COVID-19 pandemic arise and continue for an extended period of time.costs.

 

To pay for our capital program for the remainder of 2022,2023, we plan on utilizing some or all of the following:

·Internally generated funds;
·Short-term borrowings, as needed, through $140 million of bank lines of credit established with threemultiple financial institutions. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, there was $99.5$116.5 million of available credit under these lines (for further discussion on Company lines of credit, see Note 6Short Term Borrowings);
·Proceeds from long-term borrowing arrangements, including loans from private placement, CoBank and the Delaware State Revolving Fund (SRF). SRF programs provide low costProgram, which provides cost-effective financing for projects that meet certain water quality-related andand/or system improvement criteria;criteria (for further discussion on long-term borrowings, see Recent Developments Financings above); and
·Proceeds from long-term borrowing arrangements; and
·Proceeds fromsales of common stock under the Investment Plan.

 


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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 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 May 2023, Middlesex received approval from the NJBPU to increase the number of authorized shares under the Investment Plan by 0.7 million shares.

In order to fully fund the ongoing large 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 $7.6$17.5 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.

 

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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.


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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.

 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

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, 20212022 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 AprilMarch 21, 2022, the Judge granted Vera’s Motion for Class Certification and granted in part and denied in part Middlesex’s Motion to Dismiss. On May 4, 2022, the Company impleaded 3M Company (3M) as a third-party defendant in this lawsuit. The Company has taken this action in addition to a separate lawsuit the Company initiated against 3M seeking to hold 3M accountable for introduction of perfluoroalkyl substances, which include PFOA, into the Company’s water supply at its Park Avenue Wellfield facility. On July 6, 2022, the Company filed a Motion to Remove this case from New Jersey Superior Court to2023, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Vera is currently challenging Middlesex’s Motion To Remove at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey inissued an attempt to remandorder remanding the case back to the Superior Court of New Jersey. Discovery is underway in this matter.

 

Lonsk et al. v. Middlesex Water Company and 3M Company - On March 4, 2022, Middlesex filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint. On April 15, 2022, Plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint. On July 7, 2022, this case was reassigned to a new trial judge at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Motions To Dismiss and Answers to Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint to be filed on rescheduling from the newly assigned judge.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

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, 2021.2022.

 

Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.Other Information

None.

 

(a)None.

28 

(b)None.

(c)Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies - During the three months ended June 30, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.


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Item 6.

Exhibits

  
10.26(e)Amendment to Loan Documents, dated June 15, 2023, between the Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company, Pinelands Water Company, Tidewater Utilities, Inc., Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc., Utility Service Affiliates Inc. and While Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc., and PNC Bank, N.A.
31.1Section 302 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2Section 302 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1Section 906 Certification by Dennis W. Doll pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2Section 906 Certification by A. Bruce O’Connor pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCHXBRL Schema Document

 

101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LABXBRL Labels Linkbase Document

 

101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document

 

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

 

29 


Index 

 

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.

 

 MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 
    
 By:/s/A. Bruce O’Connor 
  A. Bruce O’Connor 
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer and 
  Chief Financial Officer 
   (Principal Accounting(Principal Financial Officer) 

Date: October 28, 2022

 

Date: July 28, 2023


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