Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request by Water Co. in Lehigh County

Published on 1/23/2014

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a proposed rate increase by City of Bethlehem – Bureau of Water, for customers living outside the city limits, who receive water service from the city.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which proposes an annual increase in revenues of $1,119,726 (15 percent). The request is suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a water customer using 56,000 gallons annually would increase a total of $59.11, from $321.06 to $380.17 (18.4 percent) a year.

City of Bethlehem provides water service to 12,709 residential customers in Lehigh County, who reside outside the city limits.

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, 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-2013-2390244

Contact:

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