Press Release

    HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today suspended for investigation the request of the City of Lancaster for a nearly $1 million (18.8 percent) annual increase in water rates for customers served outside the municipal limits.

    Under the city’s proposal, average residential bills for customers using 64,000 gallons a year would increase $23 annually, from $121 to $144. In a December 23, 1998, filing, the city said the increase was needed to cover costs associated with operating its Water Fund, for the construction and purchase of new water facilities, and to move toward rate uniformity for all customers. Rates for outside customers were last raised in January 1995.

    The $999,937 increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its February 23 proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision.

    The state Office of Consumer Advocate filed a formal complaint against the increase. The PUC also received 74 letters from customers protesting the hike.

    The City of Lancaster provides outside service to 24,248 customers in the borough of Millersville and the townships of East Hempfield, East Lampeter, Lancaster, Manheim, Manor, Pequea, West Hempfield and West Lampeter, all in Lancaster County.

    For additional press releases or more information about the PUC, visit our web site at http://puc.paonline.com.

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