Press Release

PUC Pledges Commitment to Customers of Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority; Will Implement Jurisdiction in Open & Transparent Manner

Published on 11/17/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today pledged its commitment to ensuring safe and reliable utility service to the customers of the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA), following passage of House Bill 1490, which places PWSA under the PUC’s jurisdiction.

“We appreciate the unique nature of the situation involving the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and understand that interacting with the PUC is going to be a new process – for PWSA staff, for local and state leaders, and for Pittsburgh area residents,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “The challenges facing PWSA are complex and will require the involvement of all stakeholders. For our part, the PUC is committed to addressing these issues in a transparent manner, working to ensure an open flow of information to the families, businesses and institutions who depend on these services.”

With the approval of this legislation, the Commission can now move forward with an implementation process for assuming jurisdiction over PWSA – which will be adopted at a future PUC public meeting. This will detail the process for PUC consideration of rates and tariffs; infrastructure improvement plans; billing and customer service issues; and other applicable regulations.

Under the legislation, the PUC will begin accepting complaints from PWSA customers on April 1, 2018. The Commission is in the process of training staff and making other necessary preparations to handle those complaints. Until April 1^st, customers with complaints should continue to contact the PWSA customer service center, at 412-255-2423.

“The Commission has extensive experience with water and wastewater utilities across the state – ranging in size from a few dozen customers to more than 600,000,” Chairman Brown noted. “Over the years we have worked with many ‘troubled’ systems, which has taught us that there are no instant or magic solutions. It will require time, hard work and a shared commitment to developing and implementing the plans that will move Pittsburgh forward.”

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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Contact:

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