Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Pike County Water Co.

Published on 3/1/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement for a lower rate increase than requested by Twin Lakes Utilities Inc., Pike County. 

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the joint settlement, which was reached among the company, the Office of Consumer Advocate and the Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

Under the settlement, the company will increase revenues by $42,060 (124.29 percent).  The company’s original request was for an increase in revenues of $124,420 (367.67 percent).  The company also agreed to refrain from filing a general base rate increase for a period of 30 months after the effective date of the rates first placed into effect. 

Also as part of the settlement, the company will implement the rate increase in a three-year phase in.  During Phase I of the rate increase, the quarterly bill of a typical 5/8" metered residential customer who utilizes 7,500 gallons of water per quarter will increase from $70.50 to $114.32.  Upon the implementation of Phase II, the quarterly bill for the same residential customer will increase from $114.32 to $136.22.  Upon the implementation of Phase III the quarterly bill will increase from $136.22 to $158.13.

Under the company’s original proposal, the quarterly bill for an average residential customer using 7,500 gallons per quarter would have increased $259.10 from $70.50 to $329.60.

Twin Lakes Utilities Inc. furnishes metered water service to approximately 120 residential customers in Shohola Township, Pike 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 numbers R-2011-2246415; C-2011-2248403; C-2011-2250143; C-2011-2250362; C-2011-2251548; C-2011-2251787; C-2011-2252352; C-2011-2252392; C-2011-2253843; C-2011-2254051; C-2011-2254057; C-2011-2254166; C-2011-2254426; C-2011-2254441; C-2011-2254819; C-2011-2254826; C-2011-2254834; and C-2011-2255806

Contact:

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