Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request by Bucks County Water Co.

Published on 1/27/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a proposed rate increase by Borough of Quakertown, Bucks County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which proposed an annual increase of revenues of $278,854 (87.9 percent). The request is suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision or settlement.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Borough of Quakertown provides water service to approximately 800 residential customers outside the borough limits.  The PUC only has jurisdiction over the rates of customers outside the borough limits.   Under the company’s proposal, the bill for the average annual residential customer would increase $237.96 annually from $237 to $474.96 (100.4 percent).  The borough also provides water service to approximately 3,155 customers located inside the borough’s limits, who are not subject to Commission jurisdiction. 

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 Number R-2011-2251181

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722