Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Clarion and Venango County Water Co.

Published on 1/14/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a settlement approving a lower rate increase than requested by Fryburg Water Co., providing service in Clarion and Venango counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which was reached among the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate, a private complainant, and the company.  The settlement permits the company to raise its annual rates by $23,000 (31.49 percent) and to divide the overall increase into two phases, beginning with an immediate increase of $13,800 and an increase of $9,200 twelve months after the effective date of the phase one rates. The company originally proposed to increase its annual rates by $29,974 (41.1 percent). 

Under the settlement, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 3,000 gallons per month will increase by $5.90 from $31.08 to $36.98 per month.  After the second phase of the company’s increase, the monthly bill will increase by $3.90 from $36.98 to $40.88 per month. The company provides water service to approximately 197 customers in portions of Clarion and Venango counties.

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 No. R-2009-2105601   

Contact:

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