Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate a request by Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company to increase rates by $25.3 million (10.2 percent).

            The proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its Jan. 14, 2004, proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement, which will be sent to the Commissioners to make a final decision.

            The table below shows how the proposed rates would affect the average annual bill of a residential customer, based on usage which varies from division to division.

            The increase would affect 353,912 residential, 19,709 commercial and 916 industrial customers in 23 counties across the Commonwealth.

            The company said the increase is necessary to pay for new plant construction, major infrastructure improvements, to repair and replace existing facilities, and to upgrade customer service information systems. Rates were last raised in July, 2002, when the PUC approved a $21.2 million base rate increase.  The company had asked for $28 million.

            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 http://puc.paonline.com.

Docket # R-00038805