Press Release

PUC Sets Public Input Hearings for Proposed United Water Rate Increase

Published on 4/26/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on a proposed rate increase by United Water of Pennsylvania Inc.

           Administrative Law Judge Kandace F. Melillo will conduct the hearings, both of which will begin at 7 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

            May 2, 2006

                        Elmwood Elementary School

                        100 E. Elmwood Ave., Mechanicsburg, Pa.

            May 4, 2006

                        Kingston Township Municipal Building

                        180 E. Center St.

                        Supervisors’ Building

                        Shavertown, Pa.

            On March 16, 2006, the PUC voted to suspend and investigate a United Water Pennsylvania, Inc.’s request to increase water rates by $7.54 million (32.4 percent) for its customers. The request is suspended up to seven months from its March 30, 2006 proposed effective date. The Commission has until the end of the seven-month period to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

            Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average customer using 52,000 gallons of water a year would increase by about $96 a year. The average annual residential bill would increase from about $295 to $391.

            United Water of Pennsylvania serves more than 150,000 people in 40 municipalities in Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Perry, Schuylkill, Wyoming and York counties. The company said the primary reason for the rate increase is the substantial cost required by the construction of the Sixth Street, Harrisburg, and Hummelstown treatment plants.

            Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

          The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00051186

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722