Press Release

PUC Investigates Proposed Rate Increase for Butler County Wastewater Company

Published on 10/19/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate Timberlee Valley Sanitation Co.’s request to increase water rates by $14,400 (57 percent). 

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average customer would increase about $240 from $420 to $660. 

By order of law, the proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its effective date.  The Commission voted 4-0 to assign it to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  PUC Commissioners will then make a final decision by June 1, 2007, at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

The increase would affect approximately 60 customers in Connoquenessing and Lancaster townships. According to the company, the increase is needed to restore the company’s rate of return and net operating income to a more reasonable level to recover a return on and a return of the company’s increased of investments in the sewer plant that have occurred on an ongoing basis.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent new releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00061691

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