Press Release

PUC Orders Penalties for Warren County Water Company for Service Problems, Orders Investigation

Published on 1/24/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today ordered Clarendon Water Co., Warren County to refund a customer for inadequate service and pay a $1,000 civil penalty for service problems. The PUC also opened an investigation into the company.

A consumer, Sheryl R. DeVaul, filed a complaint against the company saying that the company was providing her service that was inadequate and unreasonable and violated the Public Utility Code. The Commission voted 3-1 to uphold the consumer’s complaint, ordering the company to refund the consumer 50 percent of her paid water bills and reduce by 50 percent any arrearages from 2002 to date. Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli issued a dissenting statement.

The Commission also ordered the company to pay a $1,000 civil penalty and opened a non-prosecutory investigation into the company. The investigation is designed to determine if the company’s service is in compliance with sections of the Public Utility Code and if the water provided at the tap is suitable for all household purposes.  The investigation is to be conducted in coordination with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

The company has 30 days after notice of the final Commission order to pay the civil penalty and refund Ms. DeVaul. Clarendon serves about 338 customers in Clarendon Borough and a portion of Mead Township, Warren 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. C-20067108

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• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722