Press Release

HARRISBURG -The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate United Water Bethel’s request for a $41,925 (3.67 percent) rate increase.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons a year would increase approximately $6, from $240 to $246. The rate increase would affect approximately 1,284 residential customers.  A formal complaint has been filed.

United Water Bethel purchases water from Chester Water Authority and has been notified by the authority that their rates will increase.  The company said it needs the increase to recover the cost of purchased water.

The proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its Feb. 1 proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The recommended decision then will be sent to the Commissioners to make the final decision in a public meeting.

The last rate increase was in 1994.  United Water Bethel provides service in Bethel and Concord townships, Delaware County.

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.