Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Bethlehem Water

Published on 12/15/2011

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate increase than requested by the City of Bethlehem Bureau of Water. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which was reached among the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate and the Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

Under the settlement, the city will increase revenues by $729,855 (9.85 percent) for customers residing outside the city’s limits. The city’s original request was for an increase of $996,710 (13.6 percent). Only the rates for those customers residing outside the city limits are subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction. The Bureau of Water serves 13,505 customers outside of the city’s limits.

According to the settlement, residential customers living outside the city who use 15,000 gallons of water per quarter will increase by $9.60 from $74.69 to $84.29 (12.85 percent). The city’s original proposal called for rates to increase by $13.02 to $87.71 (17.6 percent).

Also as part of the settlement, the city agreed it will not seek another rate increase until June 2013. The new rates are effective immediately.

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-2011-2244756

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722