Press Release

PUC to Hold Public Input Hearing for Columbia Water Co. Rate Increase Request

Published on 8/20/2013

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is holding a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed rate increase for Columbia Water Co., Lancaster County.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Dennis J. Buckley will conduct the hearing at:

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013

Columbia Fire Department Station 801

137 South Front St.

Columbia, PA 17512

On June 13, the Commission voted to investigate the proposed rate increase, which proposes an annual increase in revenues of $773,210 (19.2 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the total annual bill for a typical metered residential customer using 48,000 gallons of water a year would increase a total of $77.64, from $367.92 to $445.56 (21.1 percent).

Columbia Water Co. provides water service to approximately 8,700 customers within Columbia and Mountville Boroughs and West Hempfield, Manor, and Donegal Townships in Lancaster County.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

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 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.
• Bring copies, if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• 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; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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 Docket No. R-2013-2360798

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722