Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearing in Bucks County Water Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 4/11/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate changes by Borough of Quakertown, Bucks County.

Administrative law judge (ALJ) David A. Salapa will conduct the hearing at:

6 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012

Borough of Quakertown Municipal Building

35 North Third St.

Quakertown, PA  18951

On Jan. 27, 2012, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate Borough of Quakertown’s request for an annual increase of revenues of $278,854 (87.9 percent). 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. 

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

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

§  Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

§  Bring copies, if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

§  Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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 Nos. R-2011-2251181 and C-2011-2279173

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722