PUC Approves $2,250 in Penalties Against Pennsylvania-American Water Co.

Published on 12/16/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today approved a $2,250 civil penalty against Pennsylvania-American Water Co. (PAWC) following a customer complaint. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the penalty after a complaint was filed with the Commission alleging that PAWC failed to maintain its facilities and service equipment when discontinuing service at a rental unit located in New Castle, Lawrence County.

The Commission found that PAWC violated several Commission regulations and the Public Utility Code, including failure to provide adequate and reasonable service. 

On Jan. 15, 2009, the rental tenant contacted PAWC and discontinued the water service to the property.  On Jan. 19, 2009, PAWC obtained an actual meter reading and shut off service to the subject property at the curb stop.  However, from Jan.19, 2009 to Feb. 19, 2009, approximately 200,100 gallons of water flowed through the meter at the property.  The additional gallons of water caused damage to the rental unit.

The Commission found that PAWC failed to maintain and repair its facilities and properly discontinue service despite knowing about the extraordinary water flows into the subject property while the property was listed as vacant.  The Commission also found that the company failed to investigate the loss of a large volume of water from its reserves.    PAWC provides water and wastewater service to approximately 650,000 customers across 36 counties in Pennsylvania. 

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. F-2009-2119253

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