Press Release

PUC Approves Increases for Water and Wastewater Companies in Venango County

Published on 12/5/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve increases in annual rates by four Venango County water or wastewater companies.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the increase requests by B.E. Rhodes Sewer Co. (B.E. Rhodes), Venango Water Co. (Venango Water), West Hickory Water Co. (West Hickory), and Plumer Water Co. (Plumer), all based in Venango County.  

B.E. Rhodes will increase annual revenues by $10,351 (15.6 percent).  The annual bill for the average residential customer using 36,000 gallons a year would increase $35.28 from $225.72 to $261. The company had originally proposed an increase in annual revenues of $13,247 (19.9 percent).  B.E. Rhodes provides wastewater service to 222 customers in the Village of Reno, Venango County.

Venango Water will increase its annual rates by $23,461 (19.5 percent). The annual bill for the average residential customer using 38,000 gallons of water a year would increase $70.18 from $362.98 to $433.16.  Under the company’s original proposal, it requested an increase in annual rates of $27,475 (22.6 percent).  Venango Water provides service to 243 metered customers in a portion of Sugarcreek Township, Venango County.

West Hickory will increase its annual rates by $13,724 (27.1 percent).  The annual bill for metered customers using 24,000 gallons of water per year would increase $75.72 from $278.76 to $354.48.  West Hickory had proposed an increase in annual rates of $17,640 (35 percent).  The company provides water service to approximately 187 metered customers located in the Village of West Hickory and a portion of Harmony Township, Forest County.             

Lastly, the Commission voted to approve the increase in annual rates for Plumer Water Co. by $7,891 (30 percent).   The annual bill for residential customers using 36,000 gallons of water a year will increase $141.24 from $470.40 to $611.64. The company provides water service to about 57 metered customers located in the Village of Plumer and a portion of Cornplanter Township in Venango County.                                                                                                                                                          

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, video and 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-2012-2305830; R-2012-2305843; R-2012-2305845; R-2012-2305872

Contact:

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