SAN DIMAS, Calif., Jul 17, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) announced that, in a 4-to-1 vote, the California Public Utilities Commission today approved an all-parties settlement to increase rates for recovery of purchased power costs applicable to electric customers in the Bear Valley Electric Service division of its Southern California Water Company unit.

Commenting on the decision, Floyd E. Wicks, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased with the CPUC's decision today. The all-parties settlement was reached earlier this year. With CPUC approval, we expect a significant improvement in cash flow that will allow us to focus on our normal operations to continue to provide water and electric service to our customers."

American States Water Company is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries, provides water service to 1 out of 30 Californians located within 75 communities throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California and to approximately 11,500 customers in the city of Fountain Hills, Arizona and portions of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Company distributes electricity to approximately 21,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California, and contracts with various municipalities and private entities in both California and Arizona to provide services to an additional 90,000 customers.

CONTACT: American States Water Company, San Dimas
McClellan Harris III, 909/394-3600 (ext. 705)
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