Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested for Mercer County Water Co.

Published on 4/15/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement agreement approving a lower rate increase than requested by Reynolds Water Co.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the settlement, which allows the company to increase its annual rates by $139,000 (34 percent) over two phases. The company had originally proposed an increase in annual rates of $207,503 (51 percent).  As part of the settlement, the average residential water bill based on a quarterly usage of 10,000 gallons per quarter will increase from $74.72 to $98.29 during Phase I of the increase and from $98.29 to $100.16 during Phase II.  Under the company’s original proposal, the quarterly increase would have been from $74.72 to $112.65 per quarter.

Reynolds Water Co. provides water service to 740 residential, commercial and industrial customers in portions of Pymatuning, Delaware and Hempfield townships, Mercer County.

 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-2009-2102464

Contact:

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