Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested for Chester County Wastewater Co.

Published on 6/9/2011

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today approved a settlement agreement, resulting in a lower rate increase than requested by Little Washington Wastewater – Masthope Division.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which allows the company to increase its annual rates by $115,000 (32.7 percent).  The company had originally proposed an increase in annual revenue of $161,426 (45.9 percent).  The settlement was reached among the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff and the Masthope Rapids Property Owners Council.  As part of the settlement, the average monthly residential wastewater bill based on a quarterly usage of 2,900 gallons will increase from $20.66 to $28.41 (27.3 percent).  Under the company’s original proposal, the quarterly increase would have been from $20.66 to $34.62 (40.3 percent) a month. 

Little Washington – Masthope Division provides wastewater service to 1,206 residential customers, 639 availability customers and eight commercial customers in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County.

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.

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Docket Numbers R-2010-2207833; C-2010-2209937; and C-2010-2216419

Contact:

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