Press Release

PUC Schedules Two Additional Public Input Hearings on Proposed Increase by PAWC Coatesville Wastewater Division

Published on 8/20/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two additional hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC) Coatesville Wastewater Operations.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Charles E. Rainey, Jr. will conduct the hearings at:

            1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 31, 2010

            Parkesburg Borough Municipal Building

            315 West First Avenue

            Building 1

            Parkesburg, PA  19365

On June 16, 2010, the PUC voted to investigate a proposal PAWC to increase its Coatesville wastewater rates by about $8.2 million (197.4 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 51,042 gallons a year would increase about $754.08 (229 percent) from $329.16 to $1,083.24 per year.

A final decision must be made by Jan. 22, 2011. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.   

The Coatesville Wastewater Operations provides service to about 6,035 customers in the city of Coatesville, Parkesburg Borough and West Sadsbury, East Fallowfiled, Caln, West Caln, West Brandywine, Valley, Sadsbury and Highland townships, Chester 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.

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Docket no. R-2010-2166212

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722