Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Increases than Requested for Pennsylvania American Wastewater Divisions

Published on 12/16/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved rate increases requested by Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC), including the Coatesville, Claysville, Clarion and Northeast Wastewater Operations.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the increases.  Commissioner Robert F. Powelson issued a statement. 

Coatesville Division

The Coatesville Division will increase its annual rates by about $2 million (35 percent) in 2011.  The company originally proposed an increase in annual rates of about $8.2 million (197 percent).  Under the new rates, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 4,253 gallons per month will increase from $27.43 to $42.35 per month beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

Claysville Division

PAWC – Claysville is permitted to increase its annual rates by $120,000 (39 percent) in 2011.  The company had originally requested an increase of $487,486 (157 percent).  Under the new rates, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 3,226 gallons a month will increase from $38.30 to $47.92 per month.

Clarion Division

The Clarion Division will increase its annual rates by $600,000 (51 percent), which is lower than the company’s original request of $968,817 (83 percent).  Under the new rates, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 3,300 gallons per month will increase from $21.52 to $30.44 beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

Northeast Division

PAWC – Northeast will increase its annual rates by about $492,000 (56 percent) in 2011. Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, the monthly bill for an average residential customer will change as follows:

• $23.05 to $35.57 for Blue Mountain customers using 4,407 gallons per month
• $16.90 to $25.13 for Lehman Pike customers using 2,768 gallons per month
• $27.33 to $30.43 or Winona Lakes customers using 3,600 gallons per month

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

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.

# # #

Docket Nos.  R-2010-2166208; R-2010-2166210; R-2010-2166212; R-2010-2166214

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov