EXHIBIT 99.1
Published on March 31, 2008
Exhibit 99.1
1720 North First Street San Jose, CA 95112-4598 |
March 31, 2008 For Immediate Release |
Contact:
|
Martin A. Kropelnicki (408) 367-8200 | |
(analysts) | ||
Shannon Dean (310) 257-1435 (media) |
CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE GROUP ANNOUNCES
SELECTION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
SELECTION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
SAN JOSE, CA California Water Service Group (NYSE : CWT) today announced the selection of
Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm,
subject to their customary client acceptance procedures.
In February of this year, the Companys audit committee decided, in accordance with good
corporate governance practices, to undertake a thorough assessment of audit firms that serve
regulated companies. After conducting an extensive evaluation process, the audit committee
selected Deloitte based on the firms audit approach, reputation in the utility space, and local
market presence.
The selection of Deloitte was not the result of any disagreements between the company and the
current independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG L.L.P., on any matters of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures.
California Water Service Group has had a very long and satisfying audit relationship with
KPMG and we want to thank the firm for its service, said Chief Financial Officer Martin
Kropelnicki.
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We look forward to working with Deloitte over the next few months as they transition into
their new role with us, he said.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service Company,
Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company,
Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services, LLC. Together these companies provide
regulated and non-regulated water service to approximately 2 million people in more than 100
California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii communities. Groups common stock trades on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol CWT.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Act). The forward-looking statements are
intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for safe harbor treatment
established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information,
expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and managements judgment about the Company,
the water utility industry and general economic conditions. Such words as expects, intends, plans,
believes, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such
words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to
uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is
contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected
or anticipated include but are not limited to: governmental and regulatory commissions decisions,
including decisions on proper disposition of property; changes in regulatory commissions policies
and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions actions concerning rate relief; new
legislation; changes in accounting valuations and estimates; the ability to satisfy requirements
related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulations on internal controls; electric power
interruptions; increases in suppliers prices and the availability of supplies including water and
power; fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance and water quality
requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies; the
ability to successfully implement business plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the
impact of weather on water sales and operating results; access to sufficient capital on
satisfactory terms; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the
possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in war or
other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or
future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments
on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in
this paragraph. The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking
statements.
Additional information is available online at www.calwatergroup.com.
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