Press Release

PUC to Investigate Proposed Rate Increases for Water and Wastewater Co. in Pike County

Published on 12/17/2009

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate proposed water and wastewater increases for Pennsylvania Utility Co., Pike County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the proposed $112,309 (69.4 percent) annual increase for the company’s water revenues and the proposed $369,827 (232.8 percent) increase in annual rates for the company’s wastewater service.  Both increases are suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement. 

Under the company’s proposals, the average yearly residential bill for water customers would increase $207.16 from an annual bill of $274.28 to $481.44 for customers who use 36,000 gallons annually.  For wastewater customers, the average yearly residential bill would increase $691.16 from an annual bill of $274.28 to $965.44 for customers who use 36,000 gallons a year.

Pennsylvania Utility Co. provides water and wastewater services to 561 customers in Lehman Township, Pike County.  The company said the primary reasons for the rate increases are to realize a reasonable rate of return on the company’s investment and to recover operating expenses. 

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-2009-2103937; R-2009-2103980

Contact:

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