Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings in Superior Water Company Rate Increase Request

Published on 8/4/2008

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 Superior Water Company Inc.

Administrative Law Judge Cynthia W. Fordham will conduct the hearings at:

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2008

Boyertown High School

120 N. Monroe St.

Boyertown, PA 19512

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 approximately 2,700 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.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decisions in the cases.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• 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-2008-2039261

Contact:

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