Press Release

PUC Hosts July 27 “Smart Hearing” to Gather Public Input on Rate Increase Request by Pennsylvania-American Water Company

Published on 7/14/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminded consumers and other concerned parties about an upcoming “Smart Hearing” on July 27, to gather public comment on a rate increase request (R-2017-2595853) filed by Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC).

Smart Hearings

The Smart Hearing, conducted by the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge, will be held at the PUC’s headquarters in Harrisburg, at the following time:

Thursday, July 27, 2017 – 1 p.m.
Commonwealth Keystone Building
Hearing Room 1
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA  17120

PUC Smart Hearings are broadcast live on the PUC website and enable residents and concerned parties throughout Pennsylvania to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to attend the hearings in person.  Witnesses are able to offer their comments by telephone, from the convenience of their homes or other locations, to be considered as part of the Commission’s review.  In-person testimony at the Harrisburg hearing site also will be included, for those who prefer to comment in that manner.  Individuals will have the option of not having their testimony live-streamed, if they prefer.

NOTE:  Individuals wishing to testify at the hearings by telephone must contact the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) at 717-787-1399 and provide contact information no later than Friday, July 21, 2017.  Attendance in person requires no prior action, simply show up and sign in.

Rate Increase Request

Under the request submitted by PAWC, the average residential customer using 3,630 gallons per month would see a monthly increase of $9.49 from $55.63 to $65.12 per month.  The application filed by PAWC, along with other documents that are part of the PUC public docket for this case, are available on the PUC website.  PAWC presently provides water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people in Pennsylvania.   More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website. 

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.

• Understand that parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

• When testifying by telephone, speak slowly and clearly so that the judge, court reporter, and those people watching the hearing can understand your testimony.

• If using a cell phone, be sure you are in a safe location with a good signal so your call can be heard clearly. 

About the PUC

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-2017-2595853

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov