Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearing in Chester County Water and Sewer Co. Rate Increase Requests

Published on 5/12/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increases for Warwick Water Works Inc. and Warwick Drainage Company Inc.

Administrative Law Judge Cynthia W. Fordham will conduct the hearing at:

7 p.m. Thurs., May 22, 2008

Warwick Township Municipal Building

2500 Ridge Road

Elverson, PA 19520

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 wastewater 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.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decisions in these cases.  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 is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• If you have a written statement or other papers you want to provide as evidence, please bring copies with you for the Administrative Law Judge, court reporter and other active participants in the case. 
• 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.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said. 

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-2008-2020873; R-2008-2020885

Contact:

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