Press Release

PUC Proposes Smaller Than Requested Rate Increases for Four Small Water/Wastewater Utilities in Northwest PA

Published on 10/25/2018

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today proposed smaller than requested rate increases submitted by four water/wastewater utilities in northwest Pennsylvania, including Venango Water Co. (Venango Water), Blaine E. Rhodes Sewer Co. (Rhodes Sewer), and Sugarcreek Water Co. (Sugarcreek Water) in Venango County, and West Hickory Water Co. (West Hickory) in Forest County.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve “option” orders, giving each company ten days to accept the PUC’s proposed changes in rates following a technical staff review of all four proposed rate increases filed jointly with the Commission on July 26, 2018. 

If accepted by the companies, through the filing of appropriate tariffs or tariff supplements consistent with the respective Commission’s orders, the adjudicated revenue and rate increases would become effective upon a five days’ notice.  If the companies fail to make these filings consistent with the Commission’s respective orders, then their base rate cases would be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for further investigation and the individual proposed rate increases would be suspended until June 2019.

For Venango Water, the Commission is proposing additional annual revenues of $19,645 (15.29 percent) as compared to the company’s initial request of $23,207 (17.99 percent).  Venango Water provides water service to 237 customers in a portion of Sugarcreek Borough, including the Village of Reno.

For Rhodes Sewer, the Commission is proposing additional annual revenues of $10,617 (13.48 percent) as compared to the company’s initial request of $14,228 (18.14 percent).  Rhodes Sewer provides wastewater service to 216 customers in a portion of Sugarcreek Borough, including the Village of Reno.

For Sugarcreek Water, the Commission is proposing additional annual revenues of $3,246 (9.69 percent) as compared to the company’s initial request of $7,038 (20.96 percent).  Sugarcreek Water provides water service to 75 customers in a portion of Sugarcreek Borough, including the Village of Sugarcreek.

For West Hickory, the Commission is proposing additional annual revenues of $13,547 (22.83 percent) as compared to the company’s initial request of $18,393 (31.18 percent).  West Hickory provides water service to 184 customers in a portion of Harmony Township, including the Village of West Hickory.

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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos.  R-2018-3001503
                    R-2018-3001505
                    R-2018-3001506
                    R-2018-3001507

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov