Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested for Allegheny County Sewer Company

Published on 12/17/2015

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate increase than requested by Sands Inc. (Sands), Allegheny County, for its wastewater service.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve an Order that directs Sands to file a revised tariff, incorporating the Commission’s approved rates, within 10 days of the entry of the Order. The revised rates are permitted to become effective Jan. 1, 2016.

According to the Order, the company may increase its overall annual revenue by $19,280 (40.5 percent). The company’s original proposal asked for an annual increase in revenues of $32,160 (72.6 percent).

The revised rates will align residential flat rates, which are currently comprised of two tiers based on the size of a customer’s home. Residential customers currently paying $35 a month will now pay $50 a month. Customers currently paying $50 a month will see no increase.

The Commission also ordered Sands to develop a metered rate schedule in its next rate filing, requiring all customers to be charged for wastewater service on a metered rate basis.

Sands provides unmetered wastewater service to 68 residential customers residing in townhomes and 10 commercial customers in a portion of Franklin Park Borough, Allegheny County.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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 No. R-2015-2493905

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722