Press Release

PUC Schedules Telephonic Public Input Hearing on Proposed Increase by Two Water Companies Serving Portions of Venango and Clarion Counties

Published on 1/2/2014

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a telephone hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Cooperstown Water Co. and Fryburg Water Co.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Katrina L. Dunderdale Vero will conduct the telephonic hearing at:

1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014

If you wish to testify at the telephonic public input hearing, you must contact the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) before Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, 5 p.m. to provide your name, telephone number and the topic of your testimony. You may call the OCA toll free at 1-800-684-6560.  Beginning at 1 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2014, consumers will testify in the order they signed up.

On Nov. 14, 2013, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request by Cooperstown Water Co. to increase annual revenues by $10,636 (20.5 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a water customer using 36,000 gallons annually would increase a total of $76.20, from $372.12 to $448.32 (20.5 percent) a year. Cooperstown Water Co. provides service to approximately 130 customers in the Borough of Cooperstown and Jackson Township, Venango County.    

Also on Nov. 14, 2013, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request by Fryburg Water Co. to increase annual revenues by $38,948 (42.98 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a water customer using 24,000 gallons annually would increase a total of $166.80, from $388.08 to $554.88 (42.98 percent) a year. Fryburg Water Co. provides service to approximately 190 residential customers in portions of Washington Township, Clarion County and Pinegrove Township, Venango County.

The requests were suspended for up to seven months and were assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision. A final decision must be made by June 18, 2014.  More information is 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.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.
• If you have any hearing exhibits to which you will refer during the hearing, 3 copies must be sent to the Administrative Law Judge and 1 copy each must be sent to every other party.  All copies must be received at least 3 days before the hearing.
• Except for those individuals representing themselves, the Commission's rules require that all parties have an attorney; therefore, you should have an attorney of your choice file an entry of appearance before the scheduled hearing.

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.

Docket No. R-2013-2367108; R-2013-2367125

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722