Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate than Requested by Columbia Water Co.

Published on 12/21/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an agreement for a lower rate than requested by Columbia Water Co., Lancaster County.

Under the settlement, Columbia Water will raise rates by about $372,000 (9 percent). According to the settlement, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using about 3,000 gallons of water will increase to $25.05 from $22.93.

The company’s original proposal called for a rate increase of about $519,500 (16 percent). Under that proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer on the gravity system would have increased to $26.02. 

Columbia Water cannot file for another general rate increase before July 15, 2008, according to the settlement, which was reached between the company, the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, the state’s Office of Small Business Advocate and the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff.

The increase would affect about 8,403 customers in West Hempfield and Manor townships, and Columbia and Mountville boroughs in Lancaster County. According to the company, the increase is needed to realize a reasonable rate of return on the company’s fixed capital investment and to recover increased operating expenses.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00061496

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