Press Release

PUC Approves Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Pilot Program to Help Reduce Water Leaks and Boost Conservation

Published on 3/2/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Program Targets High Water Consumption Related to Leaking Private Service Lines for Low Income Customers Who Cannot Afford Repair Costs

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement involving a proposal by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA), establishing a pilot program to address high water consumption involving leaking water service lines that belong to low income customers who cannot afford the cost of repairs.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to approve PWSA’s line leak repair and conservation program on a pilot basis.

PWSA’s proposal noted that offering no-cost repair for private service line leaks for eligible residential low income customers would “further PWSA’s broader water conservation goals while also lowering the cost of service for eligible customers and lessening the burden of uncollectible expense for all ratepayers.”

Under the terms of the settlement, PWSA will implement the program in the summer of 2023 – with an overall budget not to exceed $400,000. Eligible customers may receive needed repairs to leaks on exposed plumbing and/or installation of water saving devices, including aerators, a low flow showerhead and/or a low flow toilet at a predefined, not-to-exceed cost.

Additionally, PWSA agrees to collaborate with members of its Low Income Assistance Advisory Committee regarding potential opportunities to coordinate with programs available through the electric and gas utilities as well as the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, and PWSA also agrees to refer customers to other home repair programs that may be available to assist with repairs that cannot be completed through the line leak repair pilot program.

The joint settlement was supported by PWSA, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, and Pittsburgh United. Additionally, it was noted that the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate did not oppose the Settlement.

Per the settlement and today’s Commission order, any further discussions about another phase of the pilot line leak repair program or moves to implement the program on a permanent basis will be made as part of PWSA’s next base rate case filing with the PUC.

About the PUC

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.

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Docket No.: P-2022-3030253

Contact:

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