Press Release

PUC Reminds Pennsylvania-American Water Company Customers in Central PA of July 27 Public Input Hearings on Requested Rate Increase, Including Statewide Smart Hearing in Harrisburg

Published on 7/20/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC) customers in Central Pennsylvania of two hearings next week, including a statewide “Smart Hearing” in Harrisburg, to gather public input on a rate increase request (R-2017-2595853) filed by the company.

On Thursday, July 27, the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) will conduct hearings at the following times and locations:

     1:00 p.m. (Smart Hearing)
     Commonwealth Keystone Building
     Hearing Room 1
     400 North St.
     Harrisburg, PA  17120

     6:00 p.m.
     Camp Hill Fire Department
     2198 Walnut St.
     Camp Hill, PA  17011

Smart Hearings are broadcast live on the PUC website and allow witnesses to offer comments by telephone, from the convenience of their homes or other locations, to be considered as part of the Commission’s review.  Smart Hearings also enable residents and concerned parties throughout Pennsylvania to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to attend the hearings in person.

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.

Overall, the OALJ is conducting nine public input hearings on PAWC’s requested rate increase throughout the state.  Hearings will be held July 24 and 25 in Pittsburgh, Uniontown and Washington, PA, with August hearings scheduled in Wilkes-Barre, East Stroudsburg, East Fallowfield and Reading.

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.

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