Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings for Pennsylvania American Water Company –Coatesville Division Rate Increase Request

Published on 7/25/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase for wastewater service by Pennsylvania American Water Company – Coatesville Division (PAWC).

Administrative Law Judge Charles E. Rainey Jr. will conduct the hearings at:

1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

Coatesville City Hall

1 City Hall Place

Coatesville, PA 19320

7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

Parkesburg Borough Hall

315 West First Ave.

Parkesburg, PA 19365

PAWC has proposed an increase in annual rates of $2,685,488.  Under the company’s proposal, the average annual residential bill based on an annual usage of 52,200 gallons would increase from $180 to $412.32.  The company serves 5,893 customers in portions of Chester County.  According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase is the minimum increase necessary to permit the company to preserve public health and safety and to maintain the integrity of its existing capital.

PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in cases before the Commission, 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-2008-2032689

Contact:

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