Press Release

PUC Approves Rate Settlement with Pocono Waterworks Company

Published on 5/19/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow Pocono Waterworks Company to increase wastewater rates by $18,370 and ordered the company to install meters for all customers.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the settlement that increases rates by $18,370 or 29 percent.  Under the settlement, unmetered residential customers will pay a uniform rate of $19 per month.  For customers in Cathy Valley, Mountain Crest and Ryan Hill, that represents a 52 percent increase from $12.50 a month.  For customers in Island Acres and Log Road, that represents a 26.7 percent increase from $15 a month.  The company had proposed a uniform rate of $23 a month. 

Hamlin residential customers who are currently metered but pay a flat fixture rate will see a reduction in their customer charge from $23 to $20 a month (13.4 percent).  The settlement also eliminates the gallonage allowances of the company’s proposal and provides for a volumetric rate of $4.23 per 1,000 gallons of usage.  The rates to the Company’s commercial and public authority customers have also been adjusted. 

The approved increase follows a PUC investigation into the rates requested by the company and their reasonableness.  The settlement recognized the ratepayers’ concerns, minimizes cost-prohibitive litigation and allows the company to remain viable. 

The Commission also directed the company to complete the installation of properly operating water meters on all customer service lines and on each source of supply in order to satisfy the requirements of the state’s Public Utility Code.  The company has six months to complete the installation and must provide monthly progress reports to the Commission.  The company also must obtain all necessary permits, licenses and approvals from other state, federal and local government agencies having jurisdiction. 

Pocono Waterworks Company is a family-owned company that provides water service to 170 customers in the town of Hamlin and the township of Salem in Wayne County. 

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 stewards of competition.

 For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

 # # #

Docket No.     R-00050673, R-0005067C001-C0010

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722