Press Release

PUC to Hold Public Input Hearing for Monroe County Wastewater Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 10/11/2013

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today announced it will hold a public input hearing on the proposed rate increase for Penn Estates Utilities – Sewer Division.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Elizabeth H. Barnes will conduct the hearing at:

6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013

Penn Estates Community Center

Oak Room

443 Penn Estates Dr.

East Stroudsburg, PA  18301

On Aug. 15, 2013, the Commission voted to investigate the proposed $184,498 (23.7 percent) rate increase.  Under the company’s proposal, the total annual bill for a wastewater customer would increase a total of $117.36, from $495.12 to $612.48 (23.7 percent).  

The request was assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement. A final decision must be made by May 1, 2014.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.    

Penn Estates provides service to approximately 1,610 customers in Stroud and Pocono townships, Monroe County.

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 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; 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-2013-2370455

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722