Press Release

PUC Approves Transfers of Control for Water Companies Serving Consumers in Parts of Berks, Chester, Montgomery and York Counties

Published on 9/17/2015

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a merger involving Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. (Aqua PA) and Superior Water Company Inc. (SWC), impacting consumers in parts of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. In addition, the PUC also approved an acquisition by the York Water Company (York Water) of a water system serving the Newberry Farms Mobile Home Park (Newberry Farms MHP), in York County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve both transactions, following review of the applications by the Commission’s Bureau of Technical Utility Services.

The merger of Aqua PA, headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, with Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania based SWC impacts approximately 3,500 consumers who are served by five SWC water distribution systems: Center Point Farm, Ivy Ridge, Meadowbrook, Suburbia, and Main, in portions of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties. When the transaction is finalized, SWC will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aqua PA.

The Commission’s Order regarding the Aqua PA/SWC merger notes a number of advantages for current and future consumers including economies of scale created by the acquisition, which will benefit SWC customers. The merger will also enhance the regionalization of water service in the counties being served, as well as the surrounding area. Finally, existing customers of Aqua PA and SWC will not be adversely affected by the merger and no changes to either SWC or Aqua PA’s tariffs are being proposed as part of the merger transaction.

Separately, the Commission approved the sale of Newberry Farms MHP water distribution system assets to York Water.  The Newberry Farms system currently serves 160 dwellings within the mobile home park, located in Newberry Township, York County, while York Water serves customers in 48 municipalities throughout York and Adams counties. The sale will result in the connection of Newberry Farms residents to York Water’s fully filtered and treated water supply, along with the installation of fire hydrants, if requested by Newberry Township.

The Order approved by the Commission notes the economies of scale of an expanded customer base will have a beneficial effect on existing customers, and that York Water will be meeting the needs of new customers without any detriment to its existing customers.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket Nos.:
A-2015-2472472
A-2015-2472473
A-2015-2474591

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov