Press Release

PUC Conducts Binding Poll on Emporium Water Company Rate Increase Request

Published on 1/15/2015

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today conducted a binding poll on the issues related to proposed changes in rates, rules and regulations for Emporium Water Company (Emporium).

The binding poll is designed to provide a mechanism for the Commission to publically discuss the issues in complex cases where there are questions to be addressed by the Commission and where parties have intervened in the proceeding. Commissioners base their findings on the record developed in the proceeding, the recommended decision from the presiding Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and the briefs and exceptions filed by the parties in the case.

The Commission voted 5-0 on a joint motion by PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson and Commissioner Gladys M. Brown to adjust the proposed revenues imputed for the sale of bulk water; to change the proposed capital structure; and to adjust the proposed return on equity.

The positions of the Commissioners presented during the poll are binding. Commission staff will prepare a Final Order based on the results of the poll. The action of the Commission does not become effective until a Final Order is entered by the Commission. A video of the meeting including the binding poll is available on the Commission's website.

A public input hearing was held in the Borough of Emporium on Aug. 18, 2014, and formal evidentiary hearings were held on Sept. 17 and Sept. 18, 2014. The ALJ issued a recommended decision on Nov. 18, 2014, and parties filed exceptions and reply exceptions to that decision.

Emporium provides water service to 1,501 customers, mostly residential, in a rural and mountainous area in north central Pennsylvania, in the Borough of Emporium and portions of Shippen Township, Cameron County.

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 http://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-2014-2402324

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722