Press Release

    HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will permit Riviera Utilities Company in Clearfield County to increase rates by $308,000 annually. The company had originally requested a $629,699 increase in a September 1998 filing.

    Under the settlement, the bill for a customer using 52,000 gallons of metered sewer service annually will increase $152, from $209 to $361. To enable customers to budget for the increase, the billing period will be changed from quarterly to monthly.

    Also, the utility’s water consumption allowance in its minimum service charge to customers will be reduced from 3,000 gallons to 2,000 gallons. The allowance enables customers to use a certain number of gallons of water without paying a commodity charge for the amount of water used. As part of the settlement, Riviera agrees not to file for another general rate increase until July 1, 2000, or nine months before the in-service date of its new sewage treatment plant, whichever is earlier.

    The settlement was signed by the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the state Office of Consumer Advocate, the Treasure Lake Property Owners Association and the utility. PUC Administrative Law Judge Debra Paist had recommended approving the settlement.

    On November 19, 1998, the PUC suspended the company’s filing for investigation. Riviera Utilities provides service to about 5,329 customers in Sandy Township, Clearfield County.

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