Press Release

PUC OKs Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Venango County Water, Sewer Companies

Published on 9/15/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a rate increase that was lower than requested by Cooperstown Water Co. and B.E. Rhodes Sewer Co., Venango County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the amended rate increases.

Under the new rates, Cooperstown Water will raise rates by about $5,897 (14.5 percent). The bill for an average residential customer using 48,000 gallons a year will increase from $299.76 a year to $343.44. The company’s original proposal called for a rate increase of about $8,917 (21.9 percent) with average residential bills increasing to $365.64 a year.

The company said the rate increase will provide the necessary revenues to cover operating expenses and to enable the company to make payments on its long and short-term debt. The company also said the increase will provide sufficient funds to cover investments required by the company to continue to provide safe, reliable and adequate service to customers.

Cooperstown water serves about 129 customers in Cooperstown Borough and Jackson Township, Venango County.

Under the new rates, B.E. Sewer will raise rates by about $13,153 (23.3 percent). The bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons a year will increase from $256.20 a year to $316.20. The company’s original proposal called for a rate increase of about $14,174 (25.1 percent) with average residential bills increasing to $321 a year.

The company said the rate increase will provide the necessary revenues to cover operating expenses and sufficient funds to cover investments required by the company to continue to provide safe, reliable and adequate service to customers.

B.E. Sewer serves about 225 customers in Reno, Venango County and the Venango Development Industrial Park.

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

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Docket No. B.E. Rhodes Sewer/R-00061559; Cooperstown Water Company/R-00061562

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  717-787-5722