Press Release

PUC Schedules Telephonic Public Input Hearing on Proposed Increase by PAWC Clarion Wastewater Division

Published on 7/28/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a telephonic hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase by Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC) Clarion Wastewater Operations.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Charles E. Rainey, Jr. will conduct the telephonic hearing at:

2 p.m. Aug. 23 2010

Pre-registration is required for the telephonic public input hearing. Consumers wishing to testify at the telephonic public input hearing must contact the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) before 5 p.m. Aug. 19, 2010.

Consumers will be asked to provide a name, telephone number and the topic of the testimony.  The OCA may be reached toll free at 1-800-684-6560.  Any persons that have not contacted the Office of Consumer Advocate by Aug. 19, 2010, will not be able to participate in the telephonic public input hearings. Consumers will testify in the order they signed up.

On June 16, 2010, PAWC proposed to increase its Clarion Wastewater Operation rates by about $968,817 (83.6 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the bill for an average residential customer using 39,958 gallons a year would increase about $226.20 (88 percent) from $258.24 to $484.44 per year.

A final decision must be made by Jan. 22, 2011. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.   

The Clarion Wastewater Operations provides service to about 2,215 customers in Clarion Borough; Clarion and Monroe townships; and portions of Strattanville Borough, Clarion County.

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 issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.

• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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 no. R-2010-2166208

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722