Press Release

PUC Schedules Two Public Input Hearings in Lancaster City Water Rate Increase Request

Published on 11/23/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by the City of Lancaster – Bureau of Water.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Kandace F. Melillo will conduct the hearings:

1:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2010

Manheim Township Public Library

595 Granite Run Drive

Lancaster, PA 17601

6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2010

VFW Post 7294

219 Walnut Hill Road

Millersville, PA 17551

On Oct. 21, 2010, the PUC voted to investigate the city’s request to increase its rates by about $8.6 million (99.8 percent). The request was suspended for up to seven months and assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge. A final decision must be made by June 23, 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.

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-2010-2179103

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722