Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Berks County Wastewater Co.

Published on 7/16/2013

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a joint settlement allowing a lower increase in annual rates than requested for North Heidelberg Sewer Co. (North Heidelberg), Berks County. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement which was reached among the Company, the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement and the Office of Consumer Advocate.  The settlement allows an increase in annual rates of $75,000 (54.8 percent).  The Company had originally requested an annual increase in rates of $106,139 (77.6 percent). 

Under the settlement, the increase in customers’ rates will be phased in over four years.  The monthly bill for a residential customer using 4,144 gallons will increase by $25.76 from $43.30 to $69.06 a month (59.49 percent) over the next four years. Under the Company’s original proposal, the total monthly bill for a typical residential customer using 4,144 gallons of water a month would have increased $34.34 from $43.30 to $77.64 (79.3 percent). 

North Heidelberg Sewer provides wastewater service to approximately 254 customers in Berks County.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No. R-2012-2330877                    

Contact:

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