Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rates Than Requested by a Wyoming County Water, Wastewater Co.

Published on 6/21/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement for lower rates than requested by Eaton Sewer and Water Co.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the settlement, which was reached between the company and the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff and consumers who had filed formal complaints. The increase will take place in two steps. The first step goes into effect once the company files a new tariff with the PUC.  The second step will occur one year later.

The company may not file for a rate increase for two years. The increase affects about 82 customers in Eaton Township, Wyoming County. 

Water rates

Under the settlement, the company will raise water rates by about $41,080 (65 percent). The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $71,113 (113 percent).

The first step increase is $28,440. The bi-monthly bill for an average residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water will increase about $17 from $27 to $44 (63 percent).  The second step increase is $12,640. The bi-monthly bill for an average residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water will increase about $6 from $44 to $50 (13.4 percent). The company’s original request has bills increasing by about $43 to about $70 (159 percent).

Sewer rates

Under the settlement, the company will raise water rates by about $32,973 (45 percent). The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $69,641 (95 percent).

The first step increase is $21,982. The bi-monthly bill for an average residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water will increase about $17 from $43 to $60 (39.5 percent).  The second step increase is $10,991. The bi-monthly bill for an average residential customer using 6,000 gallons of water will increase about $7 from $60 to $67 (11.7 percent). The company’s original request has bills increasing by about $54 to about $97 (115 percent).

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, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00061645; R-00061646

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• Press Secretary
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