Press Release

Public Input Hearings Set for Buck Hill Water Company’s Request to Increase Rates

Published on 11/12/2004

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on Buck Hill Water Company’s request for a $153,495 (62.7 percent) rate increase.

Administrative Law Judge Ember S. Jandebeur will conduct the hearings in Buck Hill Falls, Monroe County, on Thursday, Nov.18, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Paiste Pond Activity Center, Oak Hill Drive.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 40,000 gallons of water a year would increase approximately $479, from $761 to $1,240. The rate increase would affect approximately 304 customers. Rates were last raised in 1999.

The PUC offers the following tips on how to participate. They include:

• Come early. Try to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before the hearing;
• Sign in to testify when you arrive. The judge will call witnesses to speak from the order they have signed in;
• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand. Even though it’s not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read;
• Bring copies. If you have a written statement or have other papers you want to give the judge as evidence, please bring copies with you. Bring an original, two copies for the court reporter and several copies for active participants in the case;
• Be sworn in. Your testimony will not become part of the record in the case unless you are sworn in as a witness;
• Plan to be questioned. Sometimes, parties in the case may want to ask you a question about something you said. Listen to the whole question. Answer as best you can.  It’s OK if you don’t know the answer.

The PUC must rule on the request within seven months from the Aug. 11 proposed effective date.

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 stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  R-00049493

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