Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request for Water Company in Bucks County

Published on 8/21/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate a proposed rate increase for The Newtown Artesian Water Co.

The Commission voted 5-0 to suspend the proposed increase for up to seven months from the proposed effective date and will assign the matter to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement.

Newtown Artesian Water Co. has proposed an increase in annual rates of $695,802 (14.9 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the average annual bill based on an annual usage of 60,000 gallons for residential customers in the Newtown Artesian area would increase from $282.80 to $346.52 (22.5 percent).  For residential customers in the Indian Rock area, the average annual bill would increase from $358.40 to $408.32 (13.9 percent).

The company serves approximately 10,000 customers in portions of Bucks County.  According to the company’s filing, the proposed increase is necessary to recover a reasonable rate of return on investment and to recover increased operating expenses.

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-2008-2042293

Contact:

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