Press Release

PUC to Investigate Proposed Rate Increases for Water and Sewer Companies in Bedford, Blair and Chester Counties

Published on 3/27/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increases for a water and sewer company in Chester County, along with a water company in Bedford and Blair counties.

The Commission voted 4-0 to suspend the proposed increases for up to seven months from their proposed effective dates and assigned the matter to a PUC administrative law judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement.

Chester County

Warwick Water Works has proposed to increase annual water rates by $22,227 for its customers.  Under the company’s proposal, the total monthly bill for a customer with two toilets and an average monthly usage of 5,777 gallons would increase $48.55 from the $30 flat rate charge to $78.55.  Customers are presently billed a flat rate of $15 per month per toilet fixture.

Warwick Drainage Company has proposed to increase its annual water rates by $21,858 for its customers.  Under the company’s proposal, the total monthly bill for a customer with two toilets and an average monthly usage of 5,777 gallons would increase $45.88 from the $50 flat rate charge to $95.88.  The company is presently moving from flat rate monthly billing of $25 per toilet fixture to rates based upon metered usage.

Both companies say the increases are necessary to reflect increased operating costs and new investment in their water and sewer plant.  The companies serve approximately 25 customers within portions of St. Peters Village in northwestern Chester County.  The Commission has until Nov. 3, 2008, to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Bedford and Blair Counties

Blue Knob Water Company has proposed to increase annual water rates by $114,374 for its customers.  The average annual residential bill would increase by about $394.  The company says one of the reasons for the increase is to set the company’s rates at a level that will permit the company to recoup its costs of providing service.  The company serves 272 residential customers and 12 commercial customers in portions of Bedford and Blair counties. 

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-2008-2020885; R-2008-2020873; R-2008-2020729

Contact:

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