Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings in Lycoming County Water Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 9/4/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Village Water Co.

Administrative Law Judge David Salapa will conduct the hearings at:

            2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 14, 2007

            Borough of Montoursville Municipal Building

            617 Loyalsock Ave.

            Montoursville, Pa  17554    

The company is requesting an increase of $42,575 (61 percent). Under the company’s proposal the annual bill for an average residential customer using 48,000 gallons of water would increase about $198, from $324 to $522. The increase would affect about 215 customers in portions of Fairfield Township, Lycoming County.

According to the company, the increase is necessary to provide revenues to cover operating expenses and to enable the company to make payments on it long and short term debt. The PUC must make a final decision by Feb. 1, 2008.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate. 

They include:

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

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-00072351

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722