Press Release

    HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow the City of Bethlehem to increase water rates by $1.4 million annually for customers served outside the municipal limits. The city had originally asked for a $1.7 million annual increase in a June 29, 1998, filing.

    Under the settlement, effective on one day’s notice, average annual residential bills will increase $78, from $208 to $286. Under the original proposal, bills would have gone to $303. The city also agrees not to file for another rate increase for at least one year.

    Parties to the settlement included the city, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, and the state offices of consumer and small business advocates. PUC Administrative Law Judge Isador Kranzel recommended its approval.

    Three individual customers and Upper Saucon Township filed formal complaints against the increase. On July 23, 1998, the PUC suspended the city’s filing for investigation. Judge Kranzel held a public input hearing in Bethlehem.

    The city provides service outside its municipal limits to 11,691 customers in Salisbury, Upper Saucon and Hanover townships and the Borough of Fountain Hill in Lehigh County, and Lower Saucon, Bethlehem, Hanover, East Allen and Allen townships and the Borough of Freemansburg, all in Northampton County.

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

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