Press Release

PUC Investigates Rate Increase by a Wyoming County Water Company

Published on 12/21/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate Eaton Sewer & Water Company request to increase wastewater rates by $68,641 (91 percent) and water rates by $71,113 (119 percent).    

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons of water would increase approximately $415, from $486 to $901, for wastewater.  For water, it would increase by $330, from $294 to $624.  The increase would affect approximately 82 customers in Eaton Township, Wyoming County. 

By order of law, the proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months, through July 1, 2007.  The Commission voted to assign it to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  PUC Commissioners will then make a final decision by Aug. 1, 2007 at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Eaton Sewer & Water said the increase is needed to realize a reasonable rate of return on the company’s fixed capital investment and to recover increased operating costs.

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.:  Water - R-00061645 & Sewer - R-00061646

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