Press Release

Public Input Hearing Set for Little Washington Wastewater Company – Northeast PA Consolidated Division Rate Increase Request

Published on 3/20/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a hearing to receive public comments on Little Washington Wastewater – Northeast PA Consolidated Division’s request for a $633,942 (39.6 percent) rate increase.

Administrative Law Judge Angela T. Jones will conduct the hearing at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at Eagle Rock Resort, the Base Lodge, 1031 Valley of Lakes, Hazleton, Luzerne County.  The Commission voted on Feb. 26, 2009, to suspend the company’s request for the increase pending an investigation to determine the fairness, reasonableness and justness of rates. The hearing is a part of that investigation.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.

The increase would affect approximately 2,810 customers in Pike, Luzerne, Monroe, Schuylkill, Lackawanna and Wyoming counties.  Northeast PA Consolidated is divided into eight subdivisions.  Under the company’s proposal the annual bill for an average residential customer would change as follows:

• $103.44 from $399.96 to $503.40 (25.9 percent) for unmetered residential usage in the Pinecrest Division;
• $223.68 from $270 to $493.68 (82.8 percent) for an annual usage of 26,400 gallons by residential customers in the Eagle Rock Division;
• $321.96 from $278.04 to $600 (115.8 percent) based on an annual usage of 60,000 gallons for customers in the Laurel Lakes Division;
• $297 from $300 to $597 (99 percent) for customers using 30,000 gallons a year in the Thornhurst Division;
• $124.08 from $470.16 to $594.24 (26.4 percent) based on an annual usage of 25,200 gallons for customers in the Woodloch Springs Division;
• $108 from $440.04 to $548.04 (24.5 percent) for customers using 43,200 gallons each year in the White Haven Division;
• $150 from $600 to $750 (25 percent) for unmetered residential usage in White Haven Division-Kidder Township; and
• $0 for average residential customers in the Rivercrest Division who currently pay $625.50 per year (no increase is proposed in this filing).

People with disabilities wishing to attend the hearing may make special arrangements by calling the scheduling office at the PUC at least two business days in advance. The number is (717) 787-1399. AT&T Relay Service number for those who are deaf or hearing impaired is 1-800-654-5988.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our internet homepage www.puc.state.pa.us

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Docket Nos.  R-2008-2081738

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• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722