Press Release

PUC Announces Telephonic Public Input Hearing in Total Environmental Solutions Inc. Rate Increase Request

Published on 3/10/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a telephonic public input hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increases for water and wastewater by Total Environmental Solutions Inc.

Administrative Law Judge Katrina Dunderdale will conduct the hearing at 1 p.m. March 20, 2008.  Consumers who wish to testify at the telephonic public input hearing must contact the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008, to register.  Consumers will be asked to provide their name, telephone number and the topic of their testimony.  OCA can be reached toll-free at 1-800-684-6560.  Consumers will testify at the 1 p.m. hearing in the order that they registered with OCA.

The company is requesting an increase of $272,121.00 (45.66 percent) in annual operating revenues for its water service.  Under the company’s proposal, the average monthly bill for customers would increase 60 percent from $10.52 to $16.87.  In addition, the company is requesting an increase of $286,615 (29.49 percent) in annual operating revenues for its wastewater service.  The increase will affect rates for all customers, except Availability or Ready-To-Serve customers.  The average monthly customer bill would increase by 37 percent from $18.00 to $24.70. 

The proposed increases would affect approximately 5,500 customers in portions of Sandy Township, Clearfield County.  According to the company, the increases are necessary to recover increased operating expenses.  The PUC must make a final decision by July 30, 2008.

Members of the public are welcome to call in for the telephonic 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:

• The judge will call witnesses to speak in the order they have registered with the OCA.
• 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.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, active parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you have said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best as you can.  It is okay if you do not 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-00072493; R-00072495

Contact:

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