Press Release

PUC Investigates Rate Increase Request by Little Washington Wastewater Co.

Published on 7/11/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate requests by two divisions of the Little Washington Wastewater Co. (also known as Suburban Wastewater Co.) to increase rates.

By order of law, the proposed increases will be suspended for up to seven months.  The Commission voted to assign the proposals to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  PUC Commissioners will then make a final decision by Jan. 10, 2008, at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

According to the company, the increase is necessary to continue to meet the needs of customers, the requirements mandated by governmental authorities and to recover the costs of the company’s investment.

Rivercrest Division

The company is requesting an increase of about $63,573 (94.3 percent) for its Rivercrest Division. Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 48,000 gallons of water would increase about $282, from $330 to $612. The increase would affect about 212 customers in Adams, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wyoming counties. 

Twin Hills Division

The company is requesting an increase of about $67,749 (37.9 percent) for its Twin Hills Division. Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons of water would increase about $193, from $519 to $712. The increase would affect about 212 customers in Adams, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wyoming counties. 

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 Nos. R-00072319; R-00072318

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722