Press Release

PUC Approves Smaller than Requested Rate Increases for York Water; Orders $2.1 Million in Refunds Related to Federal Tax Reform Savings

Published on 1/17/2019

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement which includes a smaller than requested increase in rates for water services provided by the York Water Company – while also directing the utility to refund $2.1 million in federal tax reform savings over the next year.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which will increase York Water’s revenues by an annual increase of $3.65 million – or just over 7 percent – compared to the nearly $6.69 million increase (13 percent for water services alone) that was initially sought. 

Under the terms of the settlement, the average monthly water bill for a residential customer using 4,300 gallons of water per month will increase from $35.07 to $37.80 (7.3 percent), as compared to $40.39 (15.2 percent) in the original request.

Additionally, between March 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020, York Water will return a total of $2,117,143 in federal tax reform savings to customers - in the form of a 4.29 percent credit on their monthly water bills.

The settlement also includes a pilot program to assist low income customers, with an initial budget of $20,000. York Water will work with the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) to develop details of the program, including eligibility, enrollment and customer outreach and education.

Average base rates for residential and commercial water service customers will increase by approximately 7.3 percent; the average base rates for industrial water service customers will increase by approximately 9.7 percent.

The settlement also includes a 25% increase in wastewater rates for customers in the boroughs of East Prospect and West Work; the Asbury Pointe residential subdivision in East Manchester Township, York County; and Lower Windsor Township, York County.

The settlement was supported by York Water, I&E, OCA and the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business 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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: R-2018-3000019

Contact:

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