Press Release

PUC Approves Gaz de France and Suez (United Water Pennsylvania Inc. and United Water Bethel Inc.) Merger

Published on 7/17/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the merger of Gaz de France and Suez, the corporate parent of United Water Pennsylvania Inc. and United Water Bethel, Inc. 

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the settlement petition for the merger.   The merger would be on the basis of an exchange of 21 Gaz de France shares for 22 Suez shares by the absorption of Suez by Gaz de France, with Gaz de France continuing as the surviving entity.  The merger will also create a spin-off entity, Suez Environment. 

The Commission determined that applicants met the burden of proof that the merger is in the public interest and that the merger will provide benefits for Pennsylvania customers, including rate request limitations and quality of service.

United Water Pennsylvania Inc. and United Water Bethel assured the Commission that its customers will see no adverse effects in their water service provided to them, as well as no increase in rates for service provided.  The companies will also pass any actual savings the operating utilities see from the transaction on to their customers and will continue their current level of funding support for local and community projects, including programs to assist low-income residential customers with their water bills. 

United Water Pennsylvania Inc. provides water service to approximately 54,000 customer accounts in nine counties in Pennsylvania.  United Water Bethel, Inc. provides water service to approximately 6,000 customers in portions of Bethel and Concord Township in Delaware County. 

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

 # # #

Docket No. A-210013F0017

Contact:

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