Press Release

PUC Approves Rate Increases for Two Little Washington Wastewater Divisions

Published on 7/23/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve rate increases for Little Washington Wastewater Co. (LWWC) - East Bradford Division (East Bradford) and portions of the Northeast Consolidated Division (Northeast Consolidated).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlements allowing the East Bradford and portions of the Northeast Consolidated Division to increase their annual rates.

The East Bradford Division will increase its annual rates by $17,795 (20.25 percent).  As part of the settlement, the monthly bill for a typical metered residential customer would increase by $18.32, from $91.47 to $109.79 per month (20 percent).  The minimum monthly charge will increase by about $10, from $50 to $60 a month, and the volumetric rate will increase $1.28 from $6.38 to $7.66 per thousand gallons.

The Commission approved a lower rate increase than requested by the Northeast Consolidated Division for six of the seven subdivisions.  Northeast will raise its annual rates by $412,104 (29.69 percent) excluding the Eagle Rock Division.  The division had originally requested an annual rate increase of $633,942 (39.77 percent).  As part of the settlement, the monthly bill for the average residential customer will change as follows:

• $8.62 from $33.33 to $41.95 (25.9 percent) for unmetered residential usage in the Pinecrest Division;
• $10.34 from $39.18 to $49.52 (26.4 percent) based on monthly usage of 2,100 gallons for metered customers in the Woodloch Springs Division;
• $9 from $36.67 to $45.67 (24.5 percent) based on monthly usage of 3,600 gallons for metered customers in the White Haven Division and $12.50 from $50 to $62.50 (25 percent) for unmetered residential usage in the Kidder Township portion of the White Haven Division; and
• Zero dollars for average monthly usage of 4,000 gallons in the Rivercrest Division who pay $47.08 monthly (no increase is proposed in this filing).

As part of the settlement, the following subdivisions will implement the approved rate increases in two phases over a two-year period.  The first phase of the increase is effective Oct. 1, 2009.  The second phase will become effective one year after Commission approval of the Joint Petition.  The monthly bills for the average residential customer over the two-year period will change as follows:

• $12.50 from $25 to $37.50 (50 percent) in year one and $12.25 from $37.50 to $49.75 (32.7 percent) in year two based on monthly usage of 2,500 gallons for metered customers in the Thornhurst Division; and
• $ 15.83 from $23.17 to $39 (68.3 percent) in year one, and $11from $39.00 to $50 (28.25 percent) in year two based on monthly usage of 5,000 gallons for metered customers in the Laurel Lakes Division.

These approved settlements do not affect the Eagle Rock subdivision of the Northeast PA Consolidated Division, as this particular settlement is still pending.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Nos. R-2008-2081533; R-2008-2081738

Contact:

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