Press Release

    HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow the Audubon Water Co. in Montgomery County to increase rates by $211,539 (20.4 percent) annually. The company had originally asked for a $364,312 (34.7 percent) increase in a July 29, 1998, filing.

    The increase will be implemented in two phases for a total increase of $67. In the first phase, effective upon the issuance of a final PUC order, average residential bills will increase $58 annually, from $323 to $381. The second phase will become effective when the company completes certain line interconnections and system upgrades. At that time, bills will increase an additional $9, to $390. Rates were last raised in May 1995.

    Audubon also agrees not to file for another rate increase before January 2000. Parties to the settlement included the company, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the state Office of Consumer Advocate and Toll Brothers, Inc. PUC Administrative Law Judge Cynthia W. Fordham recommended its approval.

    Eight individual customers filed formal complaints against the increase. On September 17, 1998, the PUC suspended the company’s filing for investigation. Judge Fordham held a public input hearing in Eagleville on December 8, 1998.

    Audubon Water provides service to 2,174 customers in Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County.

    For recent press releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet home page: http://puc.paonline.com.

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