Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow York Water Company to increase water rates by $1.7 million in York County.

Under the settlement, the annual bill for an average residential customer for a gravity system using 61,740 gallons of water will increase approximately $19 from $235 to $254. The average annual residential bill for a repumping system would increase nearly $29, from $286 to $315, based on 53,820 gallons used per year. A gravity system uses gravity to move water to customers. A repump system uses electric pumps to move water uphill throughout the system to customers.

The rate increase will affect approximately 46,187 residential customers. The company had requested a $2.8 million rate increase. 

           In February, the Commission voted to investigate the company’s request. On May 28, Administrative Law Judge Wayne L. Weismandel recommended approving the settlement. Parties to the settlement include the PUC’s Office of Trial Staff, the State Office of Consumer Advocate and the State Office of Small Business Advocate.

As part of the settlement, the company cannot file for another general rate increase before March 31, 2004.

          The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. 

          For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at http://puc.paonline.com.

(R-00027975, R-00027975C0001-C0003)