Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Manwalamink Water Company, Monroe County

Published on 11/8/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG  – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that reduces a proposed rate increase for Manwalamink Water Co., Monroe County.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the settlement, which includes a $62,000 increase (15 percent) in the company’s annual revenues. Manwalamink’s Water Co.’s initial request called for a $82,445 (20 percent) increase in additional annual revenues.  Today’s action reduced Manwalamink Water Co.’s rate request by approximately 25 percent.

With the approved settlement, the average total monthly bill for a typical residential customer with a 5/8-inch meter using 3,130 gallons will increase $3.54 from $23.53 to $27.07 per month (15 percent).  Under the water company’s proposal, the total monthly bill for an average residential customer would have increased $4.71 from $23.53 to $28.24 per month (20 percent).  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

The rate increase will take effect immediately, though the settlement stipulates that the company may not file another base rate increase request within 12 months.  Manwalamink Water Co. serves approximately 1,210 residential and 47 commercial customers in Smithfield and Middle Smithfield Townships, Monroe County.

Additionally, as part of the joint settlement the Commission also approved a Petition to Withdraw a rate increase request filed by Manwalamink Sewer Co.  The company had sought a total annual increase in operating revenues of approximately $29,007, or 5 percent, but will receive no increase because it elected to withdraw its previous rate increase request. 

The Joint Petition for Settlement is between the Manwalamink Water Co. and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.

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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos.   

R-2017-2603026
C-2017-2608643

Contact:

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