Press Release

PUC Schedules Two Public Input Hearings in Pennsylvania-American Water Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 7/19/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increases for wastewater operations of Pennsylvania-American Water Co. Northeast Wastewater Operations. 

Administrative Law Judge Charles E. Rainey Jr. will conduct the hearings at:

1:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Saw Creek Estates

Top of the World Complex - Cambridge Court

Bushkill PA  18324

Check in at front gate; maps and information will be available. 

PAWC proposed to increase its wastewater rates by about $2.1 million (240 percent). The Northeast Wastewater Operations provides service to about 3,911 customers in parts of Middle Smithfield, Smithfield and Stroud townships, Monroe County, and Lehman township, Pike County.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using:

• Lehman Pike Service Area – 33,220 gallons a year would increase about $489.60 (241 percent) from $202.80 to $692.40 per year.
• Winona Lakes Service Area – 43,198 gallons a year would increase about $500.40 (153 percent) from $327.96 to $828.36 per year.
• Blue Mountain Lake Service Area – 52,887 gallons a year would increase about $683.64 from $276.60 to $906.24.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.     

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.

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Docket Nos. R-2010-2166214; C-2010-2174327; C-2010-2174676; C-2010-2175463; C-2010-2176654; C-2010-2177239; C-2010-2182064; C-2010-2182157; C-2010-2183698; C-2010-2184479

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722