Press Release

    HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow the Borough of Schuylkill Haven to increase water rates by $265,134 (39.87 percent) for customers served outside the municipal limits. The borough had originally asked for a $416,209 (56 percent) annual increase in a June 26, 1998, filing.

    The increase will be implemented in two phases for a total of $74. In the first phase, effective on one day’s notice, average residential bills will increase $48 annually, from $197 to $245. The second phase will become effective when the PUC is notified that work on the new main replacement project along State Route 61 and improvements to the borough’s dam spillway are completed. At that time, bills will increase an additional $26 annually, to $271. The borough last filed for a general rate increase in 1994.

    Parties to the settlement included the borough, the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the state Office of Consumer Advocate and the Large Industrial Water Users Group. PUC Administrative Law Judge Morris J. Solomon recommended its approval.

    Three formal complaints were filed against the increase. On August 27, 1998, the PUC suspended the borough’s filing for investigation.

    Schuylkill Haven provides outside service to 964 customers in Cressona Borough and North Manheim Township, Schuylkill County.

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