Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Water Rate than Requested by City of Bethlehem

Published on 5/22/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Harrisburg – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a Joint Settlement for the City of Bethlehem Bureau of Water rate increase request.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the Joint Settlement between the City of Bethlehem, Office of Trial Staff (OTS) and the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA), which permits the company to establish rates for water service for outside customers and to produce an overall increase in annual operating revenues of $240,000 (3.6 percent).

On June 29, 2007, the City of Bethlehem filed proposed changes in rates, rules and regulations calculated to produce $827,455 (12.5 percent) in additional revenues for customers residing outside the city.   The quarterly bill for the average 5/8” customer charge will increase from $72.06 to $76.68 (3.6 percent).  The City has agreed not to submit another rate increase until at least June 29, 2009, which if fully litigated, would maintain the rates established today until March 2010.

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-00072492; R-00072492-C0001

Contact:

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