Press Release

PUC to Investigate Proposed Rate Increase for Water, Wastewater Company Serving Customers in Monroe County

Published on 8/27/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate proposed rate increases for water and wastewater services for Penn Estates Utilities Inc.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the proposed $281,927 (68.9 percent) increase for water revenues and the proposed $318,297 (45.5 percent) increase for wastewater revenues.  It is suspended for up to seven months until March 31, 2010, and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Under the company’s proposal, the average yearly residential water bill based on an annual usage of 52,000 gallons will increase from $238.64 to $406.08 (70.2 percent). The average yearly residential wastewater bill will increase from $411.68 to $601.68 (46.2 percent).

The company provides water and wastewater service to about 1,680 customers in Stroud and Pocono townships, Monroe County.

According to the company’s filing, the current water and wastewater rates are inadequate to meet operating and maintenance expenses and to make needed system improvements.

 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-2009-2117532; R-2009-2117740

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722