Press Release

PUC to Investigate Proposed Rate Increases for Superior Water Company Inc. and York Water Company Inc.

Published on 6/24/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increases for water companies that serve customers in portions of Adams, Berks, Chester, Montgomery and York counties.

The Commission voted 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.

Superior Water Company Inc.

Superior Water Company Inc. has proposed to increase annual water rates by $599,771 (35 percent) for its customers.  Under the company’s proposal, the average annual residential bill based on an annual usage of 67,860 gallons would increase by about $190.32 from $542.64 to $732.96.  The company provides service to 3,074 customers in portions of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.  According to the company’s filing, one reason for the proposed increase is for the investment in new plant facilities.

York Water Company

The York Water Company is proposing an annual increase in rates of $7,086,005 (21.37 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the average annual residential bill of a customer using the gravity system with an annual usage of 63,204 gallons will increase by about $62.88 from $333.00 to $395.88 (18.9 percent).  The average annual residential bill for a customer using the repumping system with an average annual usage of 54,276 gallons will increase by about $79.92 from $407.52 to $487.44.  The company provides service to 60,450 customers in portions of York and Adams counties.  According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase is needed to provide an adequate, safe and reliable level of service to its customers and to properly maintain its facilities.

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-2008-2039261; R-2008-2023067

Contact:

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