Press Release

PUC Reminds Somerset County Consumers of Public Input Hearings for Rate Increase Requests by Hidden Valley Utility Services

Published on 7/25/2018

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded residents in Somerset County of two upcoming public input hearings to gather comments on rate increase requests filed by Hidden Valley Water and Hidden Valley Wastewater.

Hearings to gather public input on both of the rate requests, conducted by Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Mark A. Hoyer, will be held at the following location and times:

Friday, July 27, 2018 - 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Hidden Valley Resort, The Alpine Room
One Craighead Drive
Hidden Valley, PA  15502
 

 Rate Increase Requests

On May 18, 2018, the PUC voted to investigate the rate increase requests filed by Hidden Valley Water and Hidden Valley Wastewater, which respectively provide water and wastewater distribution services to approximately 1,200 customers in Somerset County.

The Hidden Valley Water request, filed on April 28, 2018, would increase annual operating revenues by approximately $150,629 (107.2 percent). Under the Hidden Valley Water proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 2,100 gallons per quarter would increase from $26.64 to $54.72 (105.4 percent).  For a customer using 9,000 gallons per quarter, rates would increase from $74.73 to $145.80 (95.1 percent).

The Hidden Valley Wastewater request, also filed on April 28, 2018, would increase annual operating revenues by approximately $185,432 (63.1 percent). Under the Hidden Valley Wastewater proposal, rates for the average residential customer using 2,100 gallons per quarter would increase from $59.76 to $96.42 (61.4 percent). For a customer using 9,000 gallons per quarter, rates would increase from $167.40 to $270.30 (61.5 percent).

Final decisions by the Commission regarding the Hidden Valley requests are due by February 1, 2019.

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

Offering Comment at a Hearing

Members of the public are welcome to attend these public input hearings and provide comments. Their 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, including:

• 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, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
   
• Understand that 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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket Nos.:
R-2018-3001306
R-2018-3001307

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov