Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Water Rate Increase than Requested by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc.

Published on 11/9/2016

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a lower water rate increase than had been requested by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. Water Division (Community Utilities).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a Joint Petition for Full Settlement resolving the investigation into the rate case. 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 settlement petition was submitted by Community Utilities, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

The settlement will result in an increase in annual revenues of $345,000 (32.22 percent), compared to the company’s original request for a revenue increase of $427,817 per year (39.96 percent). Additionally, the company has agreed to a consolidated customer charge for Westgate and Penn Estates to be $17.25 per month, down from the proposed rate of $22.32 per month, and the company will not file for another general rate increase prior to Jan. 6, 2018.

Under the settlement, the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using approximately 3,800 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Penn Estates Utilities, Inc. would increase from $30.75 to $41.10 (33.65 percent). Originally, the company had proposed an increase to $45.46 per month (47.83 percent).

The total monthly bill for an average residential customer using approximately 4,300 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Utilities Inc. – Westgate, would increase from $40.36 to $48.53 (20.24 percent). Originally, the company had proposed an increase to $48.45 per month (20.04 percent).  

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-2016-2538660

Contact:

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