Press Release

    Harrisburg, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will permit the Twin Lakes Water Co. in Pike County to increase rates by $22,288 annually, to be implemented in two phases. The company had originally asked for a $36,750 increase in a June 12, 1998, filing.

    In the first phase, effective on one day’s notice, rates for the company’s permanent customers will increase from approximately $4.17 per month to $16 per month; seasonal rates will increase from approximately $2.09 per month to $8 per month. Six months later, monthly rates for permanent customers will increase to $23.50 and to $11.75 for seasonal customers. Twin Lakes has charged its current rates since 1945.

    Under the settlement, Twin Lakes agrees to meter all customers within two years; not file for another rate increase until it has collected metered data for a minimum period of six months and 75 percent of its customers are metered; and improve its notice of boil water advisories. The settlement was signed by the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate and the water company. PUC Administrative Law Judge Richard M. Lovenwirth had recommended approval of the settlement.

    On September 17, 1998, the PUC suspended the company’s filing for investigation. Formal complaints were filed by the state Office of Consumer Advocate and 13 individual customers. Judge Lovenwirth held a public input hearing in Milford.

    Twin Lakes provides service to 102 customers in the Sagamore Estates development in Shohola Township, Pike County.

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

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