Press Release

PUC Announces Public Input Hearings in Warren County Water Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 2/1/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Clarendon Water Co.

Administrative Law Judge Katrina Dunderdale will conduct the hearings at:

            1:30 and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008

            Clarendon Borough City Building    

            15 North Main Street

            Clarendon, PA 16313

The company is requesting an increase of about $21,759 (21 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for residential customers using 64,000 gallons a year will increase about $58 from $294 to $352. The increase would affect about 330 customers in Clarendon Borough and Mead Township, Warren County. 

According to the company, the increase is needed to fund increased operation and maintenance costs; provide compensation to the owners who have not been paid for their labor; and reimburse the owners for funds they put into the company for operations, which have not been repaid.  The PUC must make a final decision by June 1, 2008, at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.  The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate, which represents residential customers in rate cases, offer tips on how to participate. 

They include:

• Come early.  Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing.
• Sign in to testify when you arrive.  The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in.
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies.  If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you.  Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case.
• Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you affirm that the testimony you are about to give is truthful.
• Plan to be questioned.  Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said.  Listen to the whole question.  Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

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-00072491

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov