Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested for Water Company in Pike County; Settlement Requires Numerous System Improvements

Published on 6/9/2016

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a lower rate increase than was originally requested by Twin Lakes Utilities Inc. (Twin Lakes), which serves approximately 115 residents in Pike County.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve a joint settlement that includes a rate increase, to be phased in over a three year period. Revenues will increase by $62,500 (82.3 percent) during the first year, followed by a $31,250 increase (22.6 percent) during the second year and $31,250 (18.4 percent) during the third year. The company had originally requested an increase in annual revenues of $195,721(257 percent).

The joint settlement requires Twin Lakes to implement a number of system improvements during the three-year period, including the replacement of a well, installation of a new supply main that will connect the replacement well to the water distribution system and replacement of 4,000 feet of water mains and other improvements.  Those projects must be completed and placed into service in order for the company to institute the rate increases for Year 2 and Year 3 of the settlement. Additionally, Twin Lakes agrees that it will not file any new rate increase during the next three years.

Under the terms of the settlement, bills for average residential customers using 7,800 gallons of water per quarter will increase from $160.06 to $295.11 in the first year, to $362.66 in the second year and to $430.13 in the third year.

The settlement was reached among the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, Twin Lakes and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.

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-2015-2506337

 

Contact:

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