Press Release

PUC OKs Lower Rate than Requested by Little Washington Wastewater Co.

Published on 11/29/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –  The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement for a lower rate than requested by two divisions of the Little Washington Wastewater Co. ( also known as Suburban Wastewater 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 state’s Office of Small Business Advocate the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff and consumers who had filed formal complaints. The increase will become effective immediately.         

Rivercrest Division

Under the settlement, the company will raise rates by about $54,500 (81 percent) for the Rivercrest Division. The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $63,573 (94 percent ). Under the settlement, the company may not file for a rate increase until April 1, 2009.

The monthly bill for an average residential customer using 4,000 gallons of water will increase about $20 from $27 to $47 (74 percent). The original proposal called for rates to increase by about $24 a month to $51 (89 percent). The increase would affect about 212 customers in  Wyoming County.  

Twin Hills Division

Under the settlement, the company will raise rates by about $51,500 (29 percent) for the Twin Hills Division. The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $67,749 (38 percent). Under the settlement, the company may not file for a rate increase until Oct. 1, 2009.

The monthly bill for an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water will increase about $13 from $43 to $56 (30 percent). The original proposal called for rates to increase by about $16 a month to $59 (37 percent). The increase would affect about 341 residential customers in portions of Chester County. 

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 select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Docket No. R-00082318; R-00072319

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722