Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow Superior Water Company to increase rates by $230,000 (68.2 percent). The company had originally asked for a $259,000 (76.8 percent) annual increase in water rates.

Under the settlement, the rate increase is to be implemented in two phases. The first phase increase is $150,000 and the average residential bill would increase from $27.54 to $38.94 a month based on 5,000 gallons of water used. An additional annual increase of $80,000 would raise a residential bill to $45.34 a month and will become effective six months after the company has completed a number of capital improvements.

The company must install an emergency generator and a booster pump; improve control of hydrant usage; conduct regular leak surveys; monitor its tanks; provide specified information to its customers and provide chlorine readings to the state Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff (OTS).

OCA and OTS signed the settlement. None of the 173 complainants signed the settlement. However, the company must investigate and respond to seven customers who testified to service problems at the public hearings.

"This settlement," stated Commissioner Nora Mead Brownell, "includes a number of beneficial company commitments to improve service. Adherence to these conditions is a solid beginning to resolve the complaints raised in this proceeding.

"I commend the active ratepayer complainants in this case for their efforts. I ask them to give the settlement conditions a chance to unfold. Improved service is the intended result. If improved service does not result, such activity will be duly recorded with the appropriate Commission bureaus," she added.

The company filed its rate request on April 28, 1999. The company filed its initial rates in 1990.

Superior Water Company provides service to approximately 1,183 customers in Chester and Montgomery counties.

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

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