Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rate than Requested by Erie County Water Company

Published on 4/13/2007

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a lower rate than requested by an Erie County water company.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the settlement, which was reached between the Imperial Point Water Service Co., the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff and consumers who had filed formal complaints.

Under the settlement, the company will raise rates by about $40,000. The quarterly bill for an average residential customer using 10,000 gallons of water will increase about $15 from $42 to $57 (35 percent).  The company cannot file for another rate increase for two years, according to the settlement. The company’s last rate increase was in 2001.

The company’s original proposal increased water rates by about $80,679, increasing the quarterly bill from about $42 to $74 (74 percent).

Imperial Point serves about 500 customers in Girard Township, Erie 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-00061618, R-00061618C0001 – C0004

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