Press Release

PUC Investigates Rate Increase Request by a Crawford County Wastewater Co.

Published on 8/30/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a rate increase request by Keystone Utilities Group Inc.

The company is requesting an increase of about $48,816 (42.4 percent). Under the company’s proposal, rates for residential customers will increase about $204 from $216 to $420.  The company charges a flat rate.

The increase would affect about 22 residential and four industrial customers in Greenwood Township, Crawford County. 

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 April 1, 2008, at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

According to the company, the increase is needed to pay for significant improvements mad to its sewage treatment plant since acquiring the assets of the system. Many of the improvements were mandated by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The company does not have the necessary income to meet current operating expenses, pay current debt obligations or fund a capital reserve fund to enable payment of needed sewer treatment plant improvements and system upgrades and maintenance.

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

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Docket No. R-00072332

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