Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rates Than Requested by a Lehigh County 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 Allied Utility Services Inc.

The Commission voted unanimously 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 goes into effect once the company files a new tariff with the PUC.

Under the settlement, the company will raise sewer rates by about $115,000 (81 percent). The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $183.902 (130.2 percent). The company may not file for a rate increase for two years.

The quarterly bill for an average residential customer using 13,000 gallons of water will increase about $76 from $96 to $172 (79.2 percent).  The original proposal raised quarterly bills by about $126 to about $222 (131 percent).

The increase affects about 301 customers in North Whitehall Township.

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-00061617

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• Press Secretary
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