Press Release

Location Change for PUC Public Input Hearing in Central PA on Pennsylvania-American Water Company Rate Increase Request

Published on 7/25/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today alerted Central Pennsylvania residents of a location change for a hearing to gather public input on a rate increase request filed by Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC).

On Thursday, July 27, the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) will conduct a hearing at the following time and location:

6:00 p.m.
New Cumberland Fire Department
319 Fourth Street
New Cumberland PA  17070
*Note: This hearing had originally been scheduled for Camp Hill.

Additionally, the PUC reminded concerned parties about an upcoming “Smart Hearing,” also scheduled for July 27:

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

The Smart Hearing will be broadcast live on the PUC website and allows 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. 

Overall, the PUC is in the process of conducting nine public input hearings on PAWC’s requested rate increase. Hearings have already been held in Pittsburgh, Uniontown and Washington, PA. Upcoming hearings will be held in Wilkes-Barre, East Stroudsburg, East Fallowfield and Reading during early August.
 

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 PAWC application, along with other documents that are part of the PUC public docket for this case, are available on the PUC website.  PAWC provides water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million Pennsylvania residents.

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:

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