Press Release

PUC Investigates Phoenixville Sewer Rate Increase Request

Published on 12/21/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate a Phoenixville Sewer request to increase wastewater rates by $72,575 (99 percent).

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the company’s proposal that increases the annual bill for an average customer using 60,000 gallons of water by about $152 from about $153 to $305.  The unmetered annual residential bill would increase by about $184 from about $186 to $370.

By order of law, the proposal is suspended for up to seven months. The Commission action assigns the matter to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The Commission has until Aug. 1, 2007, to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase is due to the increase in operating costs and capital employed in providing service to customers, and would bring the rates to a reasonable level that is necessary to recover costs from customers located outside the Borough. 

The increase would affect about 66 customers in East Pikeland and SchuylkillTownships in Chester County.  Phoenixville Sewer also serves 5,176 customers located within the Borough’s limits, but those customers are not subject to the rate increase.

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 news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  R-00061625 

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