Press Release

PUC Approves Rate Increase for Columbia Water Company

Published on 1/18/2024

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an increase in rates for Columbia Water Company (Columbia Water), which provides service to approximately 12,000 customers in Lancaster and York counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to authorize an annual increase in operating revenues of $971,180 (13.4%) for Columbia Water – a reduction from the company’s initial proposal requesting an annual increase of $999,900 (13.8%).  The PUC’s approved increase in annual distribution rate revenue will become effective for service rendered on and after Jan. 27, 2024. 

The Commission’s Opinion and Order directs Columbia Water to update its water tariff filings and set the new customer rates consistent with the lower rate changes authorized today. 

Under Columbia Water’s initial proposal, the bill for a typical metered residential customer using 3,800 gallons of water per month would have increased from $37.67 to $40.04 (6.3%) for customers in the Columbia rate division, and from $32.57 to $40.04 (22.9%) for customers in the Marietta rate division – but these proposed changes will be adjusted downward, based on today’s PUC order.

Once filed with the Commission, the updated tariff filings will contain the exact rates and overall projected impact on customers’ monthly bills in each of the company’s districts.

Columbia Water provides service to customers in several Lancaster County communities, including Columbia, Mountville and Marietta boroughs, as well as West Hempfield, Rapho, East Donegal and Manor townships. Columbia Water also provides service to customers in Hellam Township, York County.

About the PUC

The PUC 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.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: R-2023-3040258

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov