Press Release

PUC Approves Rate Increase Settlement for Water, Wastewater Co. Serving Customers in Monroe County

Published on 1/14/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement agreement approving rate increases for water and wastewater services for Penn Estates Utilities Inc.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which allows the company to increase its annual rates $162,543 for the company’s water division, and $139,992 for its sewer division. As part of the settlement, the average monthly residential water bill based on a monthly usage of 4,300 gallons a month will increase from $19.84 to $27.85 a month (40 percent).  The average monthly residential wastewater bill will increase from $34.29 to $41.26 per month. (20.3 percent)

The company provides water and wastewater service to about 1,680 customers in Stroud and Pocono townships, Monroe 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Nos. R-2009-2117532; R-2009-2117740

Contact:

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