Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate than Requested by Emporium Water Co.

Published on 12/21/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate than requested by Emporium Water Co., Cameron County.

The Commission voted 3-1 to approve a motion by Commission Vice Chairman James Cawley that allows Emporium Water will raise rates by about $238,578 (38 percent). The annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons of water would increase about $180 from $479 to $659. The Commission also ordered the company to change its rate structure.

Under the company’s original proposal, water rates increased by $316,144 (49.85 percent). The company’s proposal increased the average annual bill to $720.

Emporium Water said the increase is needed to achieve a reasonable rate of return on the company’s fixed capital investment and to recover increased operating costs. Emporium Water serves about 1,310 customers in the borough of Emporium and parts of Shippen Township, Cameron County.

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-00061297

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