Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings in Aqua Pennsylvania Rate Increase Request (continued)

Published on 2/25/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

(continued)

The change in rates will affect all 403,235 customers in some way. Aqua serves customers in Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Delaware, Forest, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mercer, Montgomery, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Snyder, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

According to the company, the increase is the result of its investment of $253.6 million to improve water quality, service and reliability for its customers since the last rate increase in 2006.

The public input hearings are part of a Commission investigation into the proposal. The Commission has until August 21, 2008, to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

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:

• 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, 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-00072711

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov