Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rate than Requested by Wyoming County Water, Sewer Companies

Published on 3/22/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate than requested by Wyoming County water and wastewater companies.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve a settlement, which was reached between the Factoryville Bunker Hill Water Co., Bunker Hill Sewer Co., the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff and consumers who had filed formal complaints.

Under the settlement, the water company will raise rates by about $485. The annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons of water will increase about $8 from $170 to $178 (5 percent). The water company has not raised rates since 1997. The water company’s original proposal increased water rates by $1,909 for its customers, increasing the annual bill from about $170 to $205 (20.6 percent).

Under the settlement, the sewer company will raise rates by about $12,181. The annual bill for an average residential customer will increase by about $203 from $180 to $383 (113 percent). The sewer company has not raised rates since 1990. The sewer company’s original proposal increased annual sewer rates by $235 with the average annual residential bill increasing from about $180 to $415.

Both companies serve about 60 residential customers in Clinton Township, Wyoming County.

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-00061628

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