Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) yesterday voted to approve a settlement that will allow Blue Knob Water Company to increase rates by $17,000 (34 percent).

Blue Knob had requested a $28,575 (72.01 percent) annual rate increase.

Under the settlement, the average quarterly residential bill for seasonal customers using 2,721 gallons per quarter would increase $10 from $30 to $40. The rate increase would affect approximately 251 seasonal residential customers and 16 commercial customers in Blair and Bedford counties.

The proposed increase will become effective on one day’s notice after the Commission’s order is officially entered.

As part of the settlement, Blue Knob has agreed to maintain an office in the service area with regular office hours for it customers and the general public. The company will also tell customers how it can be contacted for after-hours service problems.

The company said the increase is needed to recover losses of providing water to customers over the last eight years of business. Administrative Law Judge Frederick R. Nene recommended on February 20, 2001, that the settlement be approved.