Press Release

PUC Schedules Public Input Hearings for Requested Rate Increase by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc.

Published on 6/22/2016

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to gather public input on a rate increase request filed by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. (Community Utilities).

The hearings will be held Friday, July 8, 2016, at the following times and locations:

1 p.m. at Penn Estates Community Center

Oak Room

443 Penn Estates Dr.

East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

6 p.m. at Hanover Township Community Center

3660 Jacksonville Rd.

Bethlehem, PA 18017

Rate Increase Request

On May 5, 2016, the PUC voted to investigate a request from Community Utilities for a rate increase for its water service.      

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the request, which is suspended for up to seven months and has been assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision. The Commission must issue a final decision by Jan. 5, 2017. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Community Utilities, formerly known as Penn Estates Utilities Inc. and Utilities Inc. Westgate, provides water service to 2,605 customers in Monroe and Northampton counties. The proposed rates would provide an increase in annual revenues of $427,817 (40 percent). Under the proposal, the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Penn Estates Utilities Inc. would increase from $34.96 to $52.69 (50.7 percent), while the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Utilities Inc. – Westgate would increase from $43.33 to $52.69 (21.6 percent).  

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Their testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.

The PUC and Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate, including:

• 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.

• Bring copies if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

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

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Docket Nos. R-2016-2538660; C-2016-2540738; C-2016-2548235; C-2016-2548262; C-2016-2549382; C-2016-2549995

Contact:

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