Press Release

PUC to Hold Telephonic Public Input Hearing on Plumer Water Company Rate Increase Request

Published on 1/7/2015

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced it will hold a telephonic public input hearing on the proposed rate increase request for Plumer Water Company (Venango County).

PUC Administrative Law Judge Mark A. Hoyer will facilitate the telephonic hearing at 1 p.m., Jan. 22, 2015.

On Nov. 13, 2014, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which proposes an annual increase in revenues of $11,409 (35.2 percent). The increase would increase the bill for a residential customer using 2,000 gallons of water per month from $40.84 to $55.14, or by 35 percent.

The request was suspended for up to seven months and was assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision. A final decision must be made by July 5, 2015. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Plumer serves 629 residential customers, 12 commercial customers and 48 public customers in Venango County.

Consumers who wish to testify at the telephonic public input hearing must call the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) toll free at 1-800-684-6560 before Thursday, Jan. 15, at 5 p.m. and provide their name, telephone number and topic of testimony. Beginning at 1 p.m. on Jan. 22, consumers will testify in the order they signed up.

Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and OCA 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.

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-2014-2430945

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722