Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Bucks County Water Co.

Published on 2/26/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted unanimously today to approve a settlement for Newtown Artesian Water Co. (NAWC). 

The Commission voted to approve the settlement, which allows the company to raise its annual revenue by $420,000 (8.97 percent) in lieu of the $695,802 originally requested.  The bill for a residential customer using an average of 15,000 gallons of water per quarter will increase by approximately $10.35 (14.64 percent) from $70.70 to $81.05 in the Newtown Rate Area and by $5.85 (6.53 percent) from $89.60 to $95.45 in the Indian Rock Rate Area.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s Web site.

The settlement was reached between the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate and the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff.  As part of the settlement, NAWC is also prohibited from proposing a general rate increase in rates for 18 months from approval of the petition for settlement.  The company provides water service to approximately 10,000 customers in portions of Bucks County. 

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 Nos. R-2008-2042293; C-2008-2056896; C-2008-2071783

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722