Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearing in Borough of Hanover Water Rate Increase Request

Published on 9/25/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a hearing to receive public comment on the Borough of Hanover’s proposed rate changes for customers who live outside the borough.

Administrative law judge (ALJ) Kandace F. Melillo will conduct the hearing at:

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012

SAVES Fire Co. 29

5865 Hanover Road

Hanover, PA 17331

On Aug. 30, 2012, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which proposes an annual increase of revenues of $980,973 (29.7 percent). The increase and Commission jurisdiction is limited to those customers living outside the borough. 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. 

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for the average residential customer using 48,000 gallons a year would increase $48.56 from $192.52 to $241.08 (25.2 percent). Hanover Municipal Waterworks provides service to 6,673 non-jurisdictional customers in Hanover Borough, and 9,941 jurisdictional customers in Penn Township, York County; Conewago Township and McSherrystown, Adams County. The Commission only has jurisdiction for rates and service over those customers who live outside the borough and are serviced by Borough of Hanover. 

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.pa.gov

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Docket Nos. R-2012-2311725; C-2012-2314913; C-2012-2318816 and C-2012-2320088

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722