Press Release

PUC Approves Rate Increase for One Water Co., Investigates Proposed Rate Increases for Two Companies in Portions of Clarion and Venango Counties

Published on 8/6/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a rate increase for Sugarcreek Water Co. and to investigate proposed rate increases for Cooperstown Water Co. and Fryburg Water Co.

The Commission voted 5-0 to allow Sugarcreek Water Co. to increase its annual revenues by $2,469 (7.4 percent), which is lower than the company's original request for an annual increase of $4,686 (14 percent).  The average monthly bill for residential customers using 4,200 gallons will increase by $2.23 from $30.08 a month to $32.31.  Sugarcreek Water Co. serves approximately 78 customers in Sugarcreek Borough, Venango County.   The new rates for customers will go into effect on Aug. 17, 2009. 

Additionally, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the proposed annual rate increases of Cooperstown Water Co. and Fryburg Water Co.  Cooperstown Water Co. is proposing to increase its annual rates by $13,998 (32.9 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the average monthly bill for residential customers using 3,000 gallons will increase by $8.20 from $24.86 a month to $33.06.  The company provides service to approximately 128 customers in portions of Cooperstown Borough and Jackson Township, Venango County.   

Fryburg Water Co. is proposing to increase its annual rates by $29,974 (41 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for customers using 3,000 gallons would increase by $12.75 from $31.08 a month to $43.83. Fryburg Water Co. serves approximately 197 customers from portions of Washington Township, Clarion County and Pinegrove Township, Venango County. 

Formal complaints have been filed for the Cooperstown Water and Fryburg Water rate increases and the matters will be suspended for up to seven months until March 17, 2010.  The matters will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and investigation of the proposed increases.  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.

###

Docket Nos. R-2009-2105668; R-2009-2105603; R-2009-2105601

Contact:

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