Press Release

PUC Investigates Rate Increase for Fulton County Water Company

Published on 10/9/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a proposed $53,335 rate increase for Needmore Water Supply Co. in Fulton County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the proposed increase. The matter is suspended for up to seven months until May 20, 2009, and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and investigation of the proposed increase.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s Web site.

Under the company’s proposal, the average yearly bill based on an annual usage of 60,000 gallons for residential customers would increase $517 from $193 to $710 (268 percent). 

The company provides water service to approximately 105 customers in portions of Belfast Township.  According to the company’s filing, many reasons support the need for the rate increase request including that the rates have not been previously set at a level to compensate Needmore for its costs, forcing the company to fall back on its owners to cover costs; the absence of compensation or under-compensation of personnel; the general increase in costs associated with running the company; and the need for the company to enhance its financial position to support capital investment needed to replace facilities that are aging.

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-2008-2049231

Contact:

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