Press Release

PUC OKs Settlement for Lower Rates than Requested by a Columbia County Sanitary Company

Published on 1/10/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement for lower rates than requested by Wonderview Sanitary, Columbia County.

The Commission voted 4-0 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.

Under the settlement, the company will be permitted to raise rates by about $11,550. The increase goes into effect once the company files a new tariff with the PUC. The company may not file another base rate increase until July 2010, according to the settlement.

The settlement will increase the monthly bill for an average residential customer by about $6, from $36 to $42. Under its original proposal, the company requested an increase of about $18,577 (29.14 percent), which would have increased the monthly bill to $46.

The increase would affect about 14 customers in Catawissa and Main townships, Columbia 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.

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Docket No. R-00072471

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722