Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearing on Proposed Rate Increases for Monroe County Water Co.

Published on 10/9/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on a proposed rate increase by Penn Estates Utilities Inc. 

7 p.m., Oct. 20, 2009

Club House

Penn Estates

3445 Penn Estates

East Stroudsburg, PA  18301

On Aug. 27, 2009, the Commission voted to investigate the Penn Estates proposal for an annual increase of $281,927 (68.9 percent) for water revenues and $318,297 (45.5 percent) for wastewater revenues. The Commission must issue a decision by March 31, 2010.  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.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

Bring copies.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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; C-2009-2122885; C-2009-2123083

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722