Press Release

PUC to Investigate City of Lancaster – Bureau of Water Rate Increase Request

Published on 10/21/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate City of Lancaster – Bureau of Water’s request to increase its rates by about $8.6 million (99.8 percent).

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request. The request is 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. A final decision must be made by May 26, 2011. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.     

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 48,000 gallons a year would increase about $119.16 (88.7 percent) from $134.36 to $253.52 per year.  The increase would only apply to the customers located outside the city’s limits, who are subject to the Commission jurisdiction.

City of Lancaster – Bureau of Water provides service to about 29,470 customers outside the city’s limits.  It also provides water services to 17,715 customers located inside the city’s limits, who are not subject to Commission jurisdiction.

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-2010-2179103

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