Press Release

PUC Approves 911 Renewal Plans for City of Bethlehem

Published on 7/17/2008

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the telephone charge residents in the City of Bethlehem must pay for their local 911 systems.

The City of Bethlehem, a third class city, is not requesting any change in the current contribution rate of $1.25 per access line per month.  The city has a population of approximately 71,329.  Verizon Pennsylvania Inc. and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the city.

The Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act of 1990 provides for a statewide 911 emergency communication system to be administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).  The law allows the counties to recover the cost for 911 systems by assessing a fee on every telephone line.

Local phone companies collect the fee for the counties.  The maximum fee that can be collected per telephone line is $1 for first- and second-class counties; $1.25 for third- through fifth-class counties; and $1.50 for sixth- through eighth-class counties. In accordance with the Act, cities “may exercise the powers and duties of counties” under certain circumstances for filing 911 plans. 

The PUC reviews the contribution rates to make sure they do not exceed the allowable amount.  The PUC then forwards a decision to PEMA.  The PUC has 90 days to submit its recommendation to PEMA as to whether a proposed contribution rate should be approved or modified.   The plan and the surcharge are effective from the date of the PUC order for a period of three years.    

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.          

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at   www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  M-00920326

Contact:

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