Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Sale of Wyoming County Water, Wastewater Companies to Aqua PA

Published on 3/26/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement for the sale of Washington Park (WP) Water Co. and Washington Park Sanitary Co. to Aqua Pennsylvania Inc.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Commission Chairman James H. Cawley the settlement, which was reached among the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA), companies’ owners and PUC’s independent Prosecutory Staff, following nearly two years of litigation. OCA and Prosecutory Staff asked for expedited consideration of the settlement to avoid further delays in the acquisition of these troubled utilities.

Under the settlement the assets of WP Water, which includes the Sleepy Hollow Water System, will be transferred to Aqua for about $115,000. An improvement plan also was submitted that includes between $125,000 to $200,000 of improvements to the Sleepy Hollow system and between $889,000 and $1.77 million of improvements to the WP Water system.

Also, under the settlement the assets of WP Sanitary will be transferred to Aqua’s Little Washington Wastewater Co. for about $70,000. An improvement plan also was submitted that includes in excess of $1.6 million of improvements to the wastewater system.

The settlement also includes $12,500 that will be refunded to WP Water customers over a 12-month period.  Another $12,500 will be refunded to WP Sanitary customers.

Under the settlement, the bill for Sleepy Hollow customers using an average of 5,000 gallons of water a month will increase from $19.55 to $47.41 a month. Once meters are installed, the average bill will be $51.31 a month.

Under the settlement, the bill for WP Water customers using an average of 5,000 gallons of water a month will increase from $19.55 to $47.41 a month. Once meters are installed, the average bill will be $50.15 a month.

Under the settlement, the bill for WP Sanitary customers using an average of 5,000 gallons of wastewater a month will increase from $18.45 to $47.08 a month. Once meters are installed, the average bill will be $52.10 a month.

The companies provide service to about 150 customers in the development of Washington Park, Wyoming 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.

# # #

Docket No. A-230550F2000

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722