Press Release

PUC Approves Pennsylvania American Water Co. Wastewater Operation’s Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan and Distribution System Improvement Charge

Published on 12/4/2014

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the petition of Pennsylvania American Water Co. Wastewater Operations (Pennsylvania American) to approve its long-term infrastructure improvement plan (LTIIP) and institute a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) to fund infrastructure improvements.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve Pennsylvania American’s LTIIP and DSIC, which was filed in compliance with Act 11 of 2012.

Under Pennsylvania American’s five-year LTIIP, the company will replace approximately 94,000 linear feet of pipeline, 1,200 laterals, 400 manholes and one lift station, and will invest approximately $5.14 million annually over the course of the plan.  The company has stated there is a need for continued rehabilitation, improvement and replacement of its collections systems in order to maintain efficient, safe, reliable and reasonable service.

Pennsylvania American provides wastewater service to 16,803 wastewater customers in several counties in Pennsylvania.

On Feb. 14, 2012, Governor Corbett signed Act 11 of 2012, which allows jurisdictional water and wastewater utilities, natural gas distribution companies, city natural gas distribution operations, and electric distribution companies to petition the Commission for approval to implement a DSIC. Under the law, the DSIC must be designed to provide for "the timely recovery of the reasonable and prudent costs incurred to repair, improve or replace eligible property in order to ensure and maintain adequate, efficient, safe, reliable and reasonable service.”

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 Nos. P-2014-2431005; C-2014-2433700

Contact:

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